Swedish and Nordic Championships 1998.

This year the SC went off in southern France; in Le Grand Bornand . I went along for some nice casual flying in the beautiful landscape.

Mt Lachat de Chantillon is the take off point for most of the competition tasks.

The mountain peak is 2050 m above sea level and gives even a rookie (i.e me!) a fair chance to catch some thermals. During one single day of competion the weather could change drastically. With very weak thermals before noon and real sky lifters round one-two o'clock (with thick cloud base just above the take off point). In the afternoon the thermals lay to rest just leaving a smooth even lift making it an ideal place to be for less experienced pilots. But watch out thou as the wind changes direction just as the sun goes beneath the surrounding mountain sides. If you're to slow to take off you simply have to walk down (not much fun is it ?).

Gentlemen, we have a race !

Peter Brinkeby giving the briefing of the day with turn points, weather info and the type of task. Most of the days the whole race could be overviewed from Mt Lachat which was quite enjoyable for everybody who was not taking part of the action. During the championship all of the competitors showed very high class and fought good. Peter finally won the SC showing what a pro he truly is.

Le Grand Bornand.

A view from above over the small village with the wonderful pizza (!) and nice people.

The landing spot is to the left of the carabin in my Fusion and had some times strong winds running through the valley giving me a hard time to land where I supposed to.

Roc de Acres

Between the take-off point and the landing was the this small ridge. While facing perpendicular to the valley below it gave good lift if you couldn't find any thermals. If you left the ridge in chase of thermals and missed out there was still a good flight down since you had another 600 meters to the landing.

Annecy, a larger village by the lake provided every casual flyer with a relaxing alternative. With a good combination of ridge soaring and thermal flying plus the lake nearby providing a nice view, you just couldn't get down. Landing proved to be a challenge, just pulling ears on the final didn't always guarantee your decent.

Lac d'Annecy, as the Frogs call the lake, has some nice mountains surrounding it's south rim. This is making it possible to go cross the lake and then round back via the mountain ridges. I'd love to try this the next time in Annecy.

Updated 05.11.98