It turned out to be a better day than many of us expected I think and it gave really excellent soaring conditions. I thought it might be worth posting a few pictures from my flight, as it was one of the most satisfying in the last few years.
I enjoy visiting exciting soaring locations, and the Isle Of Wight ranks high on my list. I have only been able to fly there once before as suitable days are rare and it’s a 300K flight to St Catherine’s Point and back. The flight is normally only possible in August or September due to the sea breezes that occur earlier in the year. The secret it seems to me is that it’s not difficult to cross the Solent, but it’s important to be able to be high enough to get to a good climb on the other side, which will likely be twice the crossing distance.
Isn’t this what gliding is all about?
Approaching Portsmouth
Looking to the IOW
Looking west
Ryde
St Catherine’s Point Lighthouse!
Heading Home, looking NE
Portsmouth
Give it a try, it’s not difficult.
Alastair