Tates Performance Hobbies competition was flown at Mannerim on Feb 28 / March 1 2009.  Congratulations to the winners:

• F3A - Bill Bloodworth
• Expert - Gavin Wallis
• Advanced - Dennis Travassaros
• Sportsman - Will Crossman

Mannerim will always be Mannerim!

Given the weather leading up to the weekend, we were concerned that we would be faced with the grim possibility of having to postpone this competition as well. That fortunately did not happen. The weather improved from what the week had been and the conditions were not as extreme as the Friday.

That does not mean in any way that the pilots over the weekend enjoyed the best conditions of the world for pattern flying. On the contrary, winds on Saturday morning were from the southwest averaging about 22 kph with the temperature reaching only about 22 – 23. Translated, this means “at a 45 degree angle at your face!” In the afternoon the winds picked up to about 33 kph!

Sunday’s weather was even less kind. The maximum temperature reached only about 18 and the wind behaved very similarly only more southerly. As can been seen in the photos, we even had to bring out our tarps! Yes… it rained!

It was great to see Eddie Edwards back in full swing with a very nice electric “Spark” [photo], flying very well. Note the strange wing/stab layout at the tips.

Peter Newman has electrified his model and is enjoying almost unlimited vertical with his new setup.

Bill and Paul had their weird “biplanes” with the very small top wing. Just joking, these are actually the canalisers on the new CPLR designed “Axiome.” A very impressive model!

The Geelong Club did their marvellous catering as usual; a full sit down meal for a very small fee.

Not as many pilots as we would have wished for, but it was good to have the first competition of the year at last. Eddie, being the sponsor of the event, was invited to hand out the trophies himself. A very warm “thank you” to Eddie for his support and we hope that he will accompany us on many more events.

Full Results in pdf format HERE (right click to download and keep)

Photo Gallery