A lovely warm, sunny morning as Brian C. and myself set off for Ringstead with the promise of some gentle coastal soaring. We arrived early afternoon to a gentle 12-14mph SW – and the news it had been stronger earlier! Several PG and an ATOS present, all making the cliffs without difficulty. However, the light wind and low cloudbase limited height gains. By the time we finished rigging, orographic cloud had blotted out White Nothe.
We waited it out and sunny spells appeared on the horizon as Portland emerged from the clag. I launched for a short 10min run along the cliffs, gaining 300ft before entering the mist. (Enough height to get back to the hill for a comfortable top landing.) A further wait, then another 30min flight. The cloud ceiling limited height gains but fun was had nevertheless. (The hill was working nicely without the usual rough thermals from the farmyard below – no sun, you see!)
Another surprisingly comfortable top landing – I expected more rotor from the hedgerow. The mist descended further as everything became damp. We decided to pack up and head from home. (It was refreshing to "play around" on the glider in the smooth conditions; more height next time, please?)
Brian P.
Brian P.
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