The 2015 Region 8 Soaring Championships

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Once again the Region 8 championships, taking place from June 14 to 20 in Ephrata, was a popular gathering for competition pilots from near and far.  32 pilots participated in 5 classes and enjoyed conditions ranging from tough to perfect. Contest manager (and meteorologist) Noel Wade and sports director John Good and a host of eager tow pilots, ramp rats and miscellaneous helpers ran a smooth and efficient contest that saw only a limited number of outlandings and no noteworthy incidents.  The weather was generally favorable even though getting away from Ephrata was sometimes challenging.  Evergreen Soaring was represented by Jim Dobberfuhl in the DG-300 and Daniel Dyck (by far the youngest competitor) in the L-33 CT.  The Arcus M made its first appearance in the Northwest and Keith Essex flew it to first place in the Open Class; he also posted the highest speed during the contest – 85.27 mph.  For full contest results look at the SSA website.

After 6 days of intense flying the winners were:

Sports Class:  Brian Case  HP-16T

Standard Class  Steve Northcraft  LS-8

15M Class:  Mike Newgard  Ventus cb-15

18M Class:  Noel Wade  ASG-29-18

Open Class:  Keith Essex  Arcus M

It was another well run contest in the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition!

Pictures by Kathleen McCrary