In the week before the contest, the same weather system that brought the Multiclass Nationals at Lake Keepit to an end two days early, dumped more than 60mm of rain on Temora and the surrounding area. The grass runways were closed and tie down areas flooded. Nevertheless, the competition went ahead with brightening weather conditions.
After launch on the first day of the championships.
By Sean Young
The contest was held using the Grand Prix format. There were different start times and courses for Club, Standard and Open-18m Classes, but all competitors in each class had the same start time and racing course. The winners were the first across the line each day, not including any penalty points.
Jenny Thompson also flew a Standard Libelle in Club Class.
The first two days of the contest were no fly days. The first race finally got under way on Day 3, 10 December. Although, the forecast did not look good, the weather improved during the day with strong climbs. Jack Hart won the Club Class race in his ASW20. It was the first of two day wins for Jack. He placed 2nd on two more days and 3rd on the final day, securing his place at the top of the table.
Christian Streifeneder flying his Standard Libelle in Club Class.
Blue Skies
The next day was blue. In Standard Class, the course was 250km, staying close to Temora. Peter Trotter won his second day, keeping him at the top of the table.
Allan Barnes wrote, “… It was chasing from behind and below, and the gaggle got away while I scratched about at 1,300AGL. Finally got away and went off track to do something different as it was my only real way of catching up. It worked, with a nice climb into the turnpoint, then another nice one at West Wyalong just as conditions were getting soft. I pushed on at about 25:1 but since I was dry there was nothing I could do about Peter overtaking me just before the finish line.”
Due to heavy rainfall in the days before the competition, runway 23 was used for launching.
More Blue
The third race was also in the blue. 18M / Open Class was set a 267km task. There were 4 -5 kt thermals up to 6,500ft. Geoff Brown won the day in his JS1. Richard Frawley took 2nd place and Norm Bloch 3rd. Richard and won the first race and Norm the second. After three races the three of them were neck and neck on 29 points each.
Getting Better
The fourth race saw improved conditions. 18M / Open Class were set a 343km task. Thermals went to over 10,000ft with good 8kt climbs. Norm Bloch won the day, putting him in the lead for 18m / Open with one day to go.
All to Play For
The tasks for the final race were a bit longer again, with 18m / Open Class set a 407km task, 340km for Standard Class and 256km for Club Class. There were climbs to 10,000ft but a thick band of cirrus moved across the task area, cooling conditions and making for a tricky day.
Peter Trotter was firmly in the lead in Standard Class but still needed to perform well in order to secure the championship. He won the day and the contest, having been in the lead from the beginning.
Lisa Trotter landing her LS8 at Temora.
In Club Class, Jack Hart played it safe, taking 3rd place and securing his championship title. Richard Frawley won the day in 18m / Open Class in his JS3, putting him one point over Norm and Geoff, who finished in joint 2nd place, to win the title.
It was a very friendly competition with a great atmosphere. Temora airfield continues to be developed with numerous new homes and hangars constructed in the Airpark. It is always interesting to wander around the Temora Aviation Museum and their historic aircraft collection including a Canberra, Dragonfly, Boomerang and Wirraway.
Scott Lennon landing his LS8 in Standard Class.
Josh Davis and Rick Agnew flew a DG 1000 in Open Class.
Dave Boulter flying his Mosquito in Club Class.
Dinner in the Temora club house
NSW State Championships
Temora
7 -14 december 2024
OPEN Class
1 Richard Frawley JS-3 18m 46
2 Geoff Brown JS-1 18m 45
2 Norm Bloch JS-3 18m 45
3 Jacob Bloom JS-3 18m 30
18m
1 Richard Frawley JS-3 18m 31
1 Geoff Brown JS-1 18m 31
1 Norm Bloch JS-3 18m 31
Club Class
1 Jack Hart ASW-20 73
2 Daryl Speight Discus B DZ 54
2 Paul Dickson LS3 54
Standard class
1 Peter Trotter LS-8 15m 30
2 Lisa Trotter LS-8 15m 26
3 Allan Barnes LS-8 15m 22
Full results at livegliding.com
Winner of Open Class, and joint winner of 18M Class Richard Frawley.
Peter Trotter recieving the Standard Class trophy from Kerrie Claffey.
Jack Hart won Club Class in his ASW20.
Lisa Trotter took the honours for Std Class Speed trophy. 131kph in her LS8.
Norm Bloch with the Outright Ppeed Trophy at 157kph in his JS3.
Terry Cubley won the Speed Trophy in Club Class at 116kph in his Mosquito.