Scottish Nationals 2017 Report and Results
Scott
All clubs were asked to supply dates that they were willing to hold a round of the Nationals series. This resulted in a number of dates being put forward and number of others were more prepared to do if weather was suitable.
This year the weather played havoc and planned weekends fell away at an alarming rate and in the end only 2 clubs were able to host a round.
The Highland club which ran an event in arguably the most spectacular flying site in Scotland if not the UK, the Trottinish Ridge on Skye! The weather gamble paid off and Hybrid targeted time in the air and accuracy event was flown. Needless to say some forgot the accuracy bit and proceeded in the direction of Portree. Well done to all involved. Some video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGnpTxygt3Q
Wingbeat the smallest club in the UK hosted an extremely well attended XC round in the borders. The ethos of the Scottish Nationals was alive and kicking with the task followed by a lively social event. A flavour of events is here http://www.wingbeat-paragliding.co.uk/index.php/flying-log/319-scottish-nationals-2nd-september-2017-witchieknowe.
So the results from the curtailed 2017 Scottish Nationals.
1. Dudley Kitching
2. Peter McCulloch
3. Ben Johnson
Well done guys.
Results are available to see https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15D_7d7NyRuRbVtviZWNP2Mjp-DK6TzAJUqp-KnoooT8/edit?usp=sharing
I would like to thank all those that took the time to be prepared to help and organise a round of this essentially social competition which gives opportunities for less experienced pilots to learn and develop some additional skills in a friendly environment. It was a real shame the weather did not play ball, but at the same time satisfying to see new names join in and hopefully learn new skills while making new friends.
Those that organised really cannot be thanked enough without their contribution it would not happen.
I would also really like to thank the pilot who was kind enough to let me know that there were no spaces available on a certain weekend ferry to Arran. Alas poor Robins enthusiasm knew no bounds as he either planned to go a week early to get a hang of this flying lark or more likely he got mixed up one week to early.
I have done 3 years as Scottish Nationals having taken over from Bob Veitch in 2015 and as I stated last year I am standing down as while being the coordinator over those 3 years I have actually only attended 1 event and I feel the series would be better served by someone who has a higher chance of being able to attend the events to promote the series and arguably reinvigorate it with their own thoughts and plans in conjunction with the clubs. I will of course be available to assist anyone that wishes to take on the mantle.
Scott Mather
