CD's report

Alex Maxfield confirmed his status as one of the UK’s top pilots by following up his 2022 Nationals win with a well-deserved win at Interglide. Steve Haley was second and Ian Duff third. The top two are both part of our UK team for the forthcoming F5J World Championships and we wish them the best of luck.

After a spell of hot temperatures and sunshine the weather gods (better known as the BBC) decided to forecast showers and strong winds for the weekend of Interglide with the unfortunate effect that some of our overseas entries decided not to take the risk of traveling to the UK.

As it turned out there was only a light shower early on Saturday morning which did not delay the competition schedule. During the practice day on Friday a blustery wind was blowing but this eased during the weekend and the wind was only strong enough to make following thermals downwind enough of a challenge to help sort out the best pilots.

Six rounds were flown on Saturday with a generous lunch break for the excellent catering facility. On Sunday morning a further three rounds were flown before the lunch break whilst the pilots for the fly off were organised. The fly off itself consisted of three 15 minute slots and the quality of flying was such that the top three pilots all managed to fly for the full 15 minutes.

Interglide is not just another domestic flying competition. It is open to competitors throughout Europe and the rest of the world of all abilities. In addition, it has a social side with a first class camping and caravan site, lunches and a BBQ all carried out on an active airfield. The entry numbers this year were therefore again disappointing. Post Covid overseas entries are still considerably down on earlier years and not helped by inflation and Brexit complications. And we may need to think again for next year about our dates and how best to fit in with other Eurotour events.

Many thanks to Nick Jackson and his team of helpers for organising not only the flying but the lunches, drinks reception, evening BBQ and the display of full-size aerobatics. Thanks also to all at Hamilton Farm - Richard for use of the field, organisation and demonstrating his full-size for us and Stacey and Klaudia for a great job on the catering. And to Neil Jones of Flightech for his generous prize sponsorship and to the Eurotour organisers for the trophy and for making the whole thing possible.

Peter Allen