A first in Scandinavia
The Danish 18m nationals in may/june was a first in many respects. For the first time ever, Jonker Sailplanes gliders participated in a Scandinavian competition, and nationals at that. On top of that, it was the first two JS3s to be allowed to fly in Scandinavia ever, piloted by respectively Henrik Breidahl in “14” and our scandinavian agent Arne Boye-Møller in his “AB”.
Weak to meagre conditions
The weather was however, not up to standard and out of the 11 allotted days a meagre 4 days could be flown in moderate to very weak conditions. Imaginative task setting was in force and every day was a solid challenge for the 14 gliders strong field that included seasoned pilots. The high wingloading of the JS3 was a big topic among the participating pilots but quickly became a non-topic as the JS3 pilots did not appear to have a greater challenge than the other pilots. Well, except if one flew into an area without lift, thrice, Arne!
How to ‘wing it’
The first day most made it back, with Peter Eriksen taking the lead in his ASG 29, Arne second and Henrik 4th. However, the following day only three made it back with Henrik as no. 1 and Arne 4th, missing out on the last climb. Henrik now slid into 1st position overall with a 90 point lead and Arne in 2nd position. The following two flying days Arne ended up experimenting with the jet while Henrik proved how well he flies by getting another 3rd place and to finish it of with a 1st place, and thus a well deserved Danish 18m Champion 2019.
Henrik noted both before and during the nationals how pleasantly surprised he was with the easy and responsive handling in the JS3.
A notable fact of this competition was, that of the 14 participating pilots, Henrik was the only one not to land out at least once in this competition. Well done Henrik!
