National Champion...or Not
National Champion...or Not
This is a story about the fastest, most locked in, the most gorgeous thermal flight I ever made, which counted for absolutely nothing.
The Task
It was June 25th 2017 at the Club Class Nationals in Hobbs NM. Up to that point, I was having a decent contest and was in the top ten with a shot at the podium. The forecast for the day was good enough by this east coast pilot’s standards. The task was a triangle to the east, southeast, then back home.
I felt good, relaxed, energetic. I remember thinking to myself, “today I’m gonna rip it UP.” And I did. On the first leg, I lit out, making long glides, blowing through weak thermals, picking up a strong climb before the bottom of the working band every time. On the second leg, the glides were even longer, I was doing a great job of working streets and energy lines. I was full of momentum. It was one of those flights where everything you see and plan works out. “That cloud looks like six knots.” BOOM, 6.5, even better.
Snatched a Day Win
I was an early starter so I was alone. I went deep into the second turn. Starting back home from the second turn I started seeing other gliders who were making the turn closer in. “This is great!” I thought. I used a few people as markers and felt like I had already snatched a day win for myself, propelling me further towards the podium. I just needed to stay out of trouble and find one or two more decent climbs. And I got ‘em. I rocketed home full of smash. According to my box, 78.5 MPH in a dry ASW 20. Holy smokes man.
Non-Valid Start (NVS)
As the scores trickled in I waited and waited for my day-win to populate. The next highest speed (and most were in already) was *only* 69 MPH. With my score not showing up yet, panic started to creep in. Finally, I asked the scorer who told me that I had a non-valid start (NVS). Elation turned to rage. I had a brief tantrum in front of my crew. He was a sport about it. Then embarrassment over my behavior set in. “Why am I so mad, why am I acting this way?” Calm washed over me. I went to dinner with the surprisingly large under 40 gang. I salved my wound with a fat beer and related the flight to my sympathetic audience. All was right with the world again.
Wrong Start Gate
I had mistakenly modified the previous day’s task in my Clearnav, rather than starting a new task. I left in start gate B, instead of changing it to D. My friends still haven’t let me live it down. “Are you really the right person to be teaching your son the ABC’s Andy?”
In the End, We Do This for Fun
At the time I was laser-focused on winning, but the experience reminded me why we fly. Goals and winning are important. But honestly, it ain’t that serious. We do this for fun and for camaraderie. I had both that day in large measure. And after all, I was on vacation. I enjoyed the rest of the contest, making lemonade out of lemons, seeing how much I could try to come back. I had some great flights, good food, and good memories with friends.
Oh, and my trailer tongue broke in two on the way home. No other damage… good times.
Banner photo was taken by Roberto Ruiz
Andy Brayer has been flying gliders for 17 years and is currently establishing a career as a professional pilot. He has worked with M&H Soaring in their shop for more years than he can remember. He flies a beautifully restored ASW-20 from Harris Hill, which he co-owns with Bryan Riegal. In 2017 he was the Sports Class National Champion. He also had the honor of painting Dick Butler’s famous Concordia. Andy’s future aspirations include flying jets, competing nationally alongside his friends, and representing the U.S. at future world championships.
