The weather system that brought cloud and rain to the Gawler task area moved east. The forecast for the day was for continuing southerly wind, no clouds and thermals to 6500ft -2000m. The task was 195km with a later start.
As no pilot completed the task the day before it was still Race 1. The pilots were all looking forward to a better day today and improving conditions for the rest of the contest.
However Pete Temple had continuing problems with his engine and electric system in his JS3. Sadly for him he spent the day working on the glider. Happily, by days end he rigged the glider with help from the other contestants and was ready to race the next day.
Conditions on track turned out to be better than forecast with strong and regular climbs in the blue.
John Grant from WA missed a climb and went very low. He started his engine for his second landout of the contest. But there were no points allocated the day prior so he still has time to make up for his no points day.
The remaining pilots kept close together for the first three legs, but Erik Borgmann broke away on the second to last leg. Norm Bloch and Geoff Brown did their best to catch him, but Erik kept in the lead to win Race 1. Geoff Brown took second position with Norm Bloch in 3rd position.
