The Australian hang gliding Nationals are being held as a tow meet, in the West of Australia, in countryside similar to Forbes.
22/1/99 After much confusion about the tow direction, day 1 was cancelled due to numerous thunderstorms in the area. There was lightning near the turn point, and pilots in the air at the T.P. reported a gust front approaching. More thunderstorms were active near goal, so with no chance of a safe task, the day was cancelled.
23/1/99 We are under the influence of a low pressure and trough system. There were severe thunderstorms in the area at 6:00 am, and more storms were building as the day went on. Lightning strikes were seen around the paddock mid morning, and the day was again cancelled.
24/1/99 Strong winds saw the day cancelled again. Later in the afternoon, the winds died down and some pilots free flew.
25/1/99 Still more strong wind. The window was opened at 3:30 in the afternoon in fairly marginal conditions, but soon after, the wind picked up and the day was cancelled. The wind continued to strengthen and the area was shrouded in raised dust.
26/1/99 At long last we have a round. The winds were quite mild, from the NE and a 181 Km task to the south was called. About halfway down the task the pilots met a SE wind and no-one made the goal. DAY 1
27/1/99 The day was a bit windy, but quite flyable. Straight line task to Southern cross saw some smiles at the end of the day. DAY 2
28/1/99 This day had high overcast cloud, but with promise of good weather. We were not sure how good the weather might get, and in the end, the task had some light and scratchy flying, and some good flying. DAY 3
29/1/99 Blown out again. If we don't fly tomorrow, the whole comp is invalid.
30/1/99 The winds were lighter and the temp trace looked like it was going to be a booming day. Unfortunately, the temperature only got to a remarkably low 33 degrees, and so the thermals ended up being low and slow. DAY 4