This article by Leigh Rogers was first published in the Wimmera Mail-Times on 10th of February 2010. Photo by Paul Carracher.
ORGANISERS of the 43rd Horsham Week Gliding Competition described conditions on Monday as 'spectacular'.
Director Geoff Vincent said the conditions were close to the best experienced in the competiton's history.
"They were extremely good conditions, which meant Monday was one of the longest tasks we have had in years," he said.
Geoff Vincent said the task saw gliders travel from Horsham to Frances on the South Australian border to Ultima near Swan Hill before returning to Horsham in a 530 kilometre round trip.
"It was a real milestone for the competition," he said.
"The day lasted well into evening, which gave us a real window of opportunity to do such a task."
Geoff Vincent said the open class on Monday was won by Rolf Buelter from Geelong, with Paul Mander of Narromine in New South Wales taking out the standard class.
The performance class was won by Noel Vagg and Jim Henkel from Beaufort in a two-seater, and Andy Smith of Mount Beauty won the 15 metre class.
Geoff Vincent said yesterday's task involved gliders travelling from Horsham to Donald then Hamilton before returning to Horsham via Goroke.
He said organisers were keeping a close eye of weather predictions but were confident predicted cooler temperatures would not disrupt competition.
"The weather could deteriorate, but at this stage we are just playing it by ear," he said.
"We are hoping we will be able to get through the whole week, which would be the first time in several years."
The Horsham Week Gliding Competition, which also incorporates the Victorian State Gliding Championships, concludes at Horsham Aerodrome on Saturday.