Highland Challenge 2013

[callen]

The Highland Challenge turned out to be a terrific regional weekend race to goal comp this year and everyone had a great time. 17 pilots registered of which almost half were in the sport class. We few 8 of 8 days and covered a total of 556 miles across both classes. Many thanks to Sunny and Adam of Highland Aerosports for dedicating 2 tugs on each day for our 2 hour launch window, this comp would not have been possible without them. Results below:

Sport:
1. Matt Christensen – 2,624
2. Michelle Haag – 1,796
3. Alex Tatom – 1,524

Matt Christensen took 1st in the sport class and had a memorable flight on task 5 where he made goal and continued on almost making the open goal. Michelle was the only women in the meet an placed 2nd overall and won 2 days. Alex placed 3rd and had a great flight on task 6 winning the day after flying over both Jim and I as we groveled in 25fpm. Many of the sport pilots had their personal bests.

Open:
1. John Simon – 3,599
2. Charles Allen– 3,372
3. Jim Messina – 2,681

John took 1st with a memorable flight on task 4 where he flew for well over 3 hours and made goal back at Highland. I came in 2nd and had a great flight and made goal on task 5 which was the longest task, though, I was the only one in the open class to leave the field due to the 103 degree heat. Jim placed 3rd and won task 2 however I think his best flight was when he dug out from about 500 feet and then crossed 3 miles of water on task 3. Not only did we have fun but we also pioneered a few new routes on the Delmarva Peninsula. My favorite new route was a dog leg down the peninsula that hooked west towards the Chesapeake Bay and crossed 3 miles of water just before reaching goal which was a grass strip (both John and Jim made it).

The summary is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/highlandw ... mmary-2012

For those interested in the 2013 Highland Challenge registration is open:
https://sites.google.com/site/highlandchallenge2013/

This is a great no stress way to learn about comp flying in a fun and safe setting and rack up some XC miles. You don’t need previous XC or comp experience to come fly. For those local mountain pilots on the fence due to weather conditions on the Delmarva Peninsula I suggest showing up. 3 of the Highland Challenge weekends had forecast rain. On the 1st task of the Highland Challenge we were towed over wispy’s but managed to fly 15+ miles. On task 4 it was pouring rain at 11:30am (the rain was going sideways) and the whole field managed to launch starting around 1pm and John and I managed to make goal at Massey (~40k).

We’ll likely limit the comp to ~20 pilots across both classes so please sign up soon if you’re interested.

[Ashley Groves]

Thank You for doing this again. I was bummed to miss the fun last summer, I am planning on participating in 2012.

[callen]

great. should be a good time.

[darbbb]

Nice job, Matt!!

[mcgowantk]

Congratulations to everyone that flew in the 2012 Challenge.

I am signing up again for 2013 and hope to actually fly in the meet! This is a great idea and I am looking forward flying with everyone next year.

Charlie - you have been a big contributor to the XC flying in our area and many of us have benefited from your efforts. Thank you.

Tom McGowan

[John Simon]

Woohoo... 2013 sign up is open. We had too much fun this past summer flying tons of XC. If you are at all interested in flying XC or improving your thermalling or just flying with 6-12 pilots for a couple of days each month and enjoying the sky and the social scene, PLEASE join up!! This is not only about competition... it's about XC and flying with a bunch of friends, it's low stress and very educational. Please come out...We had a ball flying and hanging out this summer and next year should be even better.

Thanks Charlie again....

John

[Ashley Groves]

I have signed up for 2013.

[Lostgriz]

Looking forward to flying with all my friends in the 2013 Highland Challenge. Come out and join us! As a relatively new pilot and a rookie in the XC scene, I learned a ton and had some very fun and rewarding flights.

See you out there....

Matt

[callen]

The dates for the 2013 Highland Challenge have been set:
1st Weekend -- June 15-16
2nd Weekend -- July 13-14
3rd Weekend -- July 27-28
4th Weekend -- August 24-25 (Awards Ceremony and prizes)
Alternate / Team Challenge Weekend -- September 7-8

If you plan to fly in the 2013 HC and want a t-shirt please register by February 1. We currently have 6 open and 4 sport pilots registered and would really like to see the total grow to 20 pilots. Last year we flew every single day and it was great time. You can register here: https://sites.google.com/site/highlandc ... 3/register.

Best,
Charlie

[FlyingFelix]

Registered.