Here we begin to post some information of insider. We hope you will enjoy it. Continuations will follow :-)
Pre-contest Report
The first World Championship in the 13.5 Metre Class will be held in Pociunai, Lithuania at the beginning of August. The competition has been combined with the Lithuanian Club/Mixed Class Nationals which also serves as the practice event for next year’s World Gliding Championships in the Club, Standard and 20 Metre Multiseat Classes.
The enthusiasm for these new glider types is high, despite the fact that the number of gliders ready in time for this event turned out to be only 12. There are 7 Alisport Silents (from Italy), 2 AC/AS gliders from Aviastroitel (Russia), the Mini LAK from the factory across the street, the Windward Performance Sparrowhawk R (USA), and the new “Versvs,” whose name is more difficult to pronounce than “Diana,” from which it was derived. The Versvs is manufactured in Poland. Only the Silents have motors (6 electric, 1 petrol).
The airfield at Pociunai is in perfect condition, and the Organisers have worked hard to prepare for the contest. With six Wilgas, we look forward to setting a new record for time-to-launch the entire class.
On the three training days tasks were set, but the conditions did not support cross-country flying. An occluded front controlled the weather for all three days, and it dissipated finally late on the third day, just in time for the Opening Ceremony.
Pociunai is a small village, and the airfield serves the town of Prienai (pop. 11353). The Opening Ceremony was held in the town square and featured speeches from the Mayor, the Director of Sport, and the Chairman of the Lithuanian Aero Club. After the speeches, we enjoyed a variety of musical performances.