Len's notes from Australia 2006.

Len Surtees made his fourth trip from Australia to fly HLG at the British F/F National Championships.

Hi Mike,

Once again I had a most enjoyable stay in your fine country.
It was just great to see you and the "gang" again. It appears that the 20 or so competitors that I first met 6 years ago are still are still doing it. I watched with delight to see Andy Hewitt spend quality time with his young daughters teaching them the art of catapult gliding.

The weather was reasonable (but one had to react quickly to the fast moving thermals) and as a result many good scores were posted.

Once again Bruce Kimball ( USA) and Fido Lindgren and Martin Larson from Sweden competed to make this an international event.

The stand out memories are John Bailey (over 60 yrs young) maxing on his first launch with a Mark Benns
discus design Spin-Up 36.

Seeing Mark Benns, Phil Ball, Andy Hewitt, Mick Page and Bruce Kimball launch their discus gliders and with so different launch styles.

Steve Brewer who place 3rd in both HLG and CLG against very strong competition.

Kevin Moseley coming out of the woodworks to launch one of my STING gliders higher than most after not flying for over a year.

The overall friendly nature of the events where one would give up an opportunity to fly to help another by timing for them.

Mark Benns organised an opportunity for us to fly indoors at Cardington.
WOW  what a grand building, it was magic being there soaking up the atmosphere after reading so many stories about the many contest held there over many years.

Mark Benns showed his mastery of the discus glider by nearly punching a hole thru the ceiling !! and managed to get it turning inside the constraints of the walls, no easy task. Andy Hewitt, Mike Chapman, Mick Page, Fido and Martin all enjoyed the highs ( watching your glider circling overhead) and lows (smashing models against the girders).

Martin Larson increased his Sweden Category 4 record from 67 seconds to 69 seconds and was the best performer on the day. A wonderful time was had by all and I look forward to a return next year if Mark can secure an international indoor contest at Cardiff.

I brought several SPIN - UP 36" kits with me and they are now available from Flite Hook. Mark is currently editing a video of How to build, trim and launch a SPIN-UP 36" and will be available on DVD from www.stingaeroproducts.com
Well that's it Mike till next visit, thanks again for your friendship.

Best Regards,
                     Len Surtees.