NorthWest Soaring Society

The 50th Annual Tournament

After a two-day battle among the many great pilots at our 50th Annual Tournament, Jim Frahm once again showed his mastery of thermal soaring to take this year’s championship award. Holding that heavy Herfy’s Cup once again over his head, Jim scored 110 more points than second place finisher Tom Culmsee. Rounding out the top five award winners were Curtis Headrick 3rd, Ken Eaton 4th and Tim Lynch 5th.

The 50th Tournament began on Friday September 18th at our wonderful Basin Sod Farm site near Eltopia, Wa. Perfect weather greeted all the arriving contestants and everyone looked forward to flying the afternoon F5J event. Fifteen pilots signed up and things got going with 3 groups of 5 pilots. Things went smoothly until a couple of unfortunate incidents involving Ken Eaton and Tom Culmsee who separately crashed and then withdrew in round 3. In the end, Tom Brightbill flew an excellent four rounds to claim the top prize. Jason Hood was second.

Saturday dawned to more great weather and a nice turnout of 19 pilots began preparing for the days contest. Conditions were essentially ideal and everyone could concentrate on finding thermals and making their best landings rather than fighting wind, rain and cold. This year we flew a modified ALES format in that every round after the first were “seeded” or each flight group were arranged in ascending order of place in the running score leaderboard. This format ensures that everyone in the flight group flies with matching pilots according to rank. It appeared that everyone enjoyed this variation and will be carried forward in future tournaments.

Sunday was a near repeat of the previous day with the weather again ideal for the final run to the finish. A total of 11 rounds were flown and with a lowest round throw-out applied, a total of 10,500 points were the maximum available (landings were added to the normalized 1000 point flight score each round.) It is noteworthy that Tim Lynch as is his nature, flew his 98oz glider to a 5th place finish among the sea of sub 50oz competitors! What is his secret? 

Many thanks to all the members who helped with making this event one of the best ever produced. Special thanks go to ScoreKeeper Rex Grace, Tracy Erdman Tech Support and awesome helper Cathy Boysen. A great contest on an unbelievable site in perfect conditions will make our 50th Tournament epic and long remembered. 

 Want to become an NWSS member? 

Send your payment of $20, you can use Paypal - nwsspayment@gmail.com

along with the following information to: 

Cathy Boysen, NWSS Treasurer 

4113 S Best Ct, Veradale, WA 99037

Please include your Name,  Address, Email, Phone #,  AMA/MAAC #.  You will receive the monthly Newsletter via email and be eligible for season points!

Dave portwood

Arend Borst 

Ann Stimers