Auckland Regional Competition
Robbo Robinson reports on Round 2
News Bulletin, Covid 19 infection!
F
or any Aucklander a news headline like this can announce an unknown future for the weeks ahead. With the Auckland Regional Paragliding Competition on the following weekend it was news 40 pilots and others involved in the comps organising committee did not want to hear.
Above; Soaring at Moirs More so, a good percentage of the pilots were from out of town including a number from the South Island with increased costs. A few pilots ventured out to Moirs Hill on the Friday pre comp weekend “just in case” the event was cancelled and all got to fly but Jacinda said they had it all under control and no increased alert levels were required. GREAT! Johnny and Kyla had pre booked this event in the comp calendar months ago and with it being the first in the season it was well over subscribed. I don’t know how they predicted the weather so far out but it turned out to be near perfect with both days being comp task-able and good flights achieved by all. Meeting at the Puhoi Pub at 10am, coffees were consumed and friendships rekindled the mandatory safety brief was carried out by Johnny. This was an opportunity to reflect on events that had occurred this year and the opportunity to participate in a one minute of silence to remember James Johnston who passed away after a flying accident
Left; Mascots and lucky charms get together
8 A
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in the United States, a sobering moment. The decision was made by the Task Committee to fly from Moirs Hill, close to Puhoi Pub approx. 45 minutes north of Central Auckland. This site is one of the most flown inland thermic sites for local pilots. Equal distance from both the West and East coasts the scenery is spectacular from take off and if you are fortunate to rise further into the sky it is beautiful with the Hauraki Gulf Islands to the east and Kiapara Harbour to the west for all to view.
Day one Task one was set heading North with a goal at Mangawhai Heads some 42kms in distance with a turn point east over Matakana (a local pub suck spot). A race to goal with 15 minute start gates to help ease congestion over take off. With the majority of pilots getting away on the first wave, the latter had issues with the wind picking up on take off and stories of spending an hour flying in front of take off before getting away were common with a few pilots. With airspace opened up to 4500ft
Right; Task board on Day 1
Above; The trophies; Left: Auckland Regional Paragliding Champion (Louis Tapper) Right: Auckland Fun Class Champion (Nick Buhaets)
