by Ray Hayes
I'm not sure if this was the Whirlwind's first contest, it was the
first time I placed high enough to receive a trophy. Look at those
smiling faces, the photo explains why we go to contests, it simply is
enjoyable.
The Whirlwinds are no longer active in sailplanes. The spark plugs of
the club were Buck Zehr (now deceased) and Bill Rohring (moved out of
the area), but for some, the memories are still strong and clear. To
the best of my knowledge, only Art Slagle and myself are still
attending sailplane contests. Otto keeps saying he is going to show
up at a contest, but finds other things to do, like building a new
home in Tennessee.
This contest was three rounds of ten minute duration with a landing
task consisting of a three point level bulls eye. Landing in the
small middle ring was required to receive the maximum points. The
Benton Harbor boys ran this annual contest for several years, never
had very good equipment, but contestants came from Illinois, Michigan,
Indiana, and Ohio to take on the challenge of the brisk winds off the
shores of Lake Michigan. This contest had 57 people competing for top
honors.
|
