The 2024/25 competition season is largely behind us, with mixed outcomes in terms of attendance. Highlights included Joey Glide and the 2 Seat and Club Class Nationals, which saw strong participation.
Craig Vinall
Chair Soaring Development Panel
The 2024/25 competition season is largely behind us, with mixed outcomes in terms of attendance. Highlights included Joey Glide and the 2 Seat and Club Class Nationals, which saw strong participation. However, the Multi-Class event struggled to fill the 15 Meter and Standard classes. It was encouraging to see many talented juniors engaged in both competition and coaching. That said, this marks the third consecutive year we have been unable to hold a standalone or even combined 15 Meter/Standard class competition.
Adding to our challenges, many clubs have been affected by the ongoing Pawnee issue, which is likely to impact next season’s competitions.
Last season, we made changes by reducing the number of Nationals from three to two and resting the Sports Class. We believe these changes should remain, with additional adjustments aimed at increasing participation, particularly in the 15 Meter class.
Introducing Distance Handicap Tasking (DHT)
Next season, we will trial and implement Distance Handicap Tasking (DHT) as a new tasking option. This method adjusts task lengths based on each competitor’s glider handicap. Higher-handicapped gliders will follow a scratch course around set turn points, while lower-performing gliders will have modified turn points to ensure their task distance is proportional to their handicap. Unlike SkyRace/F1GP, all adjusted waypoints will use the traditional 500m cylinder rather than variable radius turnpoints. The tasks are to be set for the highest performance gliders.
Tasks will be set and scored using SoaringSpot. Each competitor will receive a customised task (in a CUP file) based on their handicap. Pilots will upload or email their IGC trace, which will be automatically scored via SoaringSpot. Task finishers will be scored based solely on elapsed time, as handicapping occurs during the flight.
DHT is expected to be used in preference to standard racing tasks on days without an Assigned Area Task (AAT). This system ensures that lower-performance gliders spend a comparable amount of time on task as higher-performance gliders, reducing the disadvantage of flying in deteriorating conditions.
Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) – 2025/26 National Events
The NCC is now accepting EOIs for the 2025/26 National events:
* Multi-Class Nationals – Including Standard, 15m, 18m and Open classes.
* Club Class Nationals – Held in conjunction with the Two-Seat Nationals.
We ask that EOIs specify the proposed duration (8 or 12 days), with a preference for 8 days, as well as proposed dates. Given the current Pawnee situation, organising clubs must be confident of their ability to secure sufficient tow planes.
Guidelines for Class Combinations and Scoring
To ensure fairness, the following guidelines will apply when classes are under-subscribed:
l National champions will only be awarded where at least eight gliders compete in a class.
l If an under-subscribed class is combined with a fully subscribed class, the two will be scored separately. For example, 15 Meter gliders will not be merged into Open Class for championship purposes.
l If two under-subscribed classes are combined, the class designation will be based on the higher-performance gliders (eg, 15 Meter and Open Class would be designated as Open Class).
