The 2005 Region 1 Contest will be held at Sugarbush, June 19 - 25.

This year, we are striving to attract a full 40 participants, have lots of safe flying, and really have a good time after landing. There will be music, good meals at reasonable prices and an extreme focus on making it fun for all involved.

As a contestant in past contests, I (and other visitors) have noticed the general attitude of the Club to be tolerant of the contest, at best. Pilots of club ships disappear in despair, thinking their flying is gone for one of the best weeks of the year. This just ain’t so!

Stick around, and you might be surprised how much fun you have. First of all, a bunch of really good pilots (you might learn something) will be there. Secondly, a maximum effort will be made by the contest organizers to get all the club ships in the air after the task has started, while all contestants leave the area for two to four hours. That’s right, imagine being able to take off at 2:00 (prime time), and soar for two or three hours. Or, perhaps you would prefer a glassy smooth evening flight. As long as everyone has a radio, and is aware of how things work, we can all fly every day! Also, rides, instruction, and pattern practice can be going on early in the morning before grid time (8 – 10:30 approx). Finally, everyone is encouraged to socialize with the visiting pilots, and each other. This could really be good.

Attention all pilots with your own ship: We need you! Enter the contest. It is an incredible learning experience, equivalent to years of soariing by yourself. Enter even if you have never done it, or have heard negative comments about competition from someone who doesn’t have a clue. Enter the Sports Class, and we will help you in every way. You don’t have to win to have fun. In fact, there is only one winner in each class, but believe me…..the rest of the people still have a great time!

There is an ulterior motive to my urging you to be around for this great week. I need help! A core group of people have already signed up to help, the same people who help every year (the unsung heros). There is so much to do, and we could use all the help we can get. This is our chance to spread good will, and promote Sugarbush. Please contact me if you can offer any assistance (don’t worry… you can fly every day, too).

Rick Sheppe has graciously agreed to be our Competition Director (CD), and is helping me as a first time Contest Manager (CM). We have a great weather man in Ward Hindman. There will be a full moon in the middle of the contest. The airport is beautiful at night.

Please join us for this special event.

Tim Donovan, Contest Manager
tdonovan@cyberportal.net
(603) 542-2277 work, (603) 558-2514 cell, (603) 542-7325 home

P.S. For more contest information see http://www.ssaregion1.org/negc2005/