World Cup - Brazil 2023 - Pico do Gaviao, Andradas - Task 4 (after 2 rest days) 67km

 This is my third visit to Andradas.  We were here in 2017 & 2019 and we flew almost every day.  We also flew Pocos de Caldas in 2010 (visible from launch), but that was in April and it rained pretty much every day.  The reason we come to Andradas, as previously explained, is due to the 'Olive Theory'.  

So, to have two consecutive non-flyable days in Andradas makes it feel as though the sky is falling.  Truth be told, we will fly again today in all probability making for another five days of flying which is amazing in terms of consistency for any competition site anywhere in the world.

As for the task yesterday, the conditions were far more moderate compared to previous tasks.  The base was 2,000m lower with mild thermic activity and light winds. The task committee reached a creative peak by setting a concentric circle entry-exit-entry task which made for some critical decision making for pilots as opposed to the normal procession that has come to characterise world cup competition.

You will see from the tracks in the image below that several routes were possible:

I am happy to report that I finally got my act together making good choices.  I used the minority choice route under a cloud street in the north/south axis to get into goal in reasonable time some 10 minutes behind the leader followed by Russell (+18min) and Khobi(+24min).  Jon got flushed at the start as the wind switched lower down.  Russell is still in the top thirty and Khobi has moved to third place in the ladies and has every reason the be optimistic about a podium finish.

The day was characterised by low saves as we were rescued by the birds on several occasions.  Goal was placed at the base of the mountain making for a nerve-wracking final glide if you were on the margin as the ground sloped upwards.  I had to turn in a bubble after making the end of speed section in order to cross the goal line.

I am not one to complain about equipment, and, though I was happy with the task, it is apparent that the Boom 11, which is the same model I used in 2017, may not be up to the task and my harness is old generation too.  Everyone else is on crisp new kit and it shows in glide and speed.  I rigged my speed system to extract maximum speed and that is only just enough to maintain pace in the transitions where it is apparent the others have speed in reserve as I lose relative altitude on every glide.  The B11 is still competitive in the climb.  

The new Niviuk seems really good along with the 2023 Enzo 3.  The pilots flying the 'Submarine' harness swear they are better despite the absurd appearance and floppy bits when deflated.

I will wait for the release of something new and then upgrade glider and harness.