GLIDERS filled the skies over the Riverland as pilots from across SA converged for a state competition.
The Waikerie Gliding Club (WGC) hosted the 2021 SA State Gliding Championship from January 3 to 9, with 11 competitors from across the state gathering to compete in the two-class competition.
WGC president Bill Mudge said while windy conditions early in the competition made gliding difficult, only one day out of eight was cancelled.
“We managed to average around 300km flights nearly every day, which was a great success, as the competitions are always very dependent on the weather,” he said.
“However, this past year, we’ve also been very dependent on COVID-19 restrictions, which have made holding competitions very difficult as many pilots travel interstate to fly.
“The Orange Week Regatta we hold here at Waikerie in November was cancelled last year, as the Parafield COVID cluster happened right before we were due to hold the competition, and many other gliding events nation-wide had the same result.
“So, hosting 11 gliders for this competition is a good result, and everyone was happy to be back in the air.”
Six out of the seven competition days were flown, with WGC regular and Adelaide-based pilot Peter Temple taking maximum points every day.
On the last day, a task of 398km was set for the 18m class, and Mr Temple completed the course in two hours and 41 minutes at an average speed of 147.9k/ph.
Mr Temple took first place in the 18m class, and said the SA State Competition was likely the only one he would attend this year.
“It’s been a rough year for pilots, and I’m very glad that Waikerie was able to hold this competition, as so many national championships were cancelled,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky – it’s been a good week for gliding. We’re always at the mercy of the weather, and need a minimum of three days flying to be able to call the competition.
“It’s always great coming back to Waikerie; it almost feels like a second home.”
Current 15m national champion Bernie Sizer, of Melbourne, made it across the border with hours to spare before the closure.
“I took the national title in December 2019, at Tocumwal in NSW, and have held onto it since – not just because of the virus restrictions,” he told the Murray Pioneer.
“I was very lucky to have made it into SA for this competition, and it’s been very close.
“I was holding first place in the 15m class for the first few days until I made an error and was overtaken by Peter (Temple).
“A close, competitive championship is always enjoyable; I enjoy the challenge, and am not one to give up.”
Meanwhile, the WGC held a coaching week for recent solo pilots to build on their experience and confidence, from December 26 to January 2.
Mr Mudge said five coaches and 15 trainers attended the course.
“The course is to help recent solo pilots more comfortable in their abilities, as well as flying cross-country and spotting thermals,” he said.
“We had some very good flyers and were able to fly about 100km each day, with everyone marking about 400km on the final day, which was a great result.”
For more information on WGC courses and club flying days, contact president Bill Mudge on 0429 413 570.

RESULTS
2021 State Gliding Championship
Club Class:
1st: Bernie