Well after all the hype and build up to the event, it proved to be a roaring success. The weather was not on our side this time with both days being windy. This just added to the challenge of racing with no one shying away. Our brave pilots like may who joined Bacchus Marsh for the weekend, provided existing and fantastic racing.
The event really started on Friday night with some camping out and enjoying a BBQ dinner. A few flights were had to get the thumbs moving and making sure the ‘Yank and Bank’ commands were firmly embedded in the brain and thumbs (it didn’t work for some!!).
Saturday morning started off with a Pilot’s brief with racing starting up about 9:30 am. The fun started as soon as those famous words were heard……… “Gentlemen, start your engines” and with that, our inaugural BMMAA Scanner Racing was finally reality. The pace was set early but a few mishaps slowed a few pilots while other completed running repairs. After the first day, Michael Whelan and Jim Hill were still flying for the Club flag.
By Saturday night the wind had calmed right down and there is nothing better to get around the camp fire sharing the stories for the day with a quite ale. A BBQ was arranged for those remaining at the field and many others joined. With daylight saving in force it was not long before a few practice flights were completed to make sure the repairs for the day were all done and good to go. As the Sun settled and the moon started its ascent into the night sky, it was not long before the night fliers came out to play. Fantastic night had by all with Peter Singline taking out the night flying with his 10 Gigawatt glider… Lucky it was not plugged into the power grid (Have a look at the photos).
Sunday saw the weather becoming worse with only two round being held. By lunch time it was all over and it was finished off with presentations and raffle draws to finish off a great weekend. So will we do this again………. I hope so as I missed out and if you go by the stories told…….. You have to be there. Well done to Andrew Pascoe for organising the event and building the pylon and lights. A big thank you to all the BMMAA Club Members who took part, assisted or did both. Also a big thank you to the wives/partners you helped out in the canteen and finally, a big thank you to Michael Whelan for the photos as he only took a 1500….!!! Photos capture the heart and soul of the event, especially the people that make it all happen. Fantastic job BMMAA.
BMMAA would like to thank all the Clubs that participated and join our great event and a big thank you to our sponsors Model Engines, Aerial Hobbies, Addies hobbies, RCM News and KMRC Jets. Hope to see you all again next year...