With overcast skies and Korean efficiency, the competition decamped to Hadong in the south of South Korea. Although the skies stayed veiled, a 60km task was set.

There was a nice easterly wind and sun at the start. The thermals were working everywhere at take off but not going high. When the pilots started the task, going along the ridge was sometimes more difficult if you got below hill height. 

Good task setting saw three different groups right from the start. The field spread out along the ridge, with the leaders skimming the trees below launch, before jumping over the back. They had to climb as high as possible, especially as shade came in covering the majority of the visible route. The first three pilots jumped the ridge but many of those behind missed the cycle. It was key at the beginning to have enough altitude to connect with the higher mountains and to get onto the windy side. 

The difficult part was after 60-70% of the task when they had the first big valley crossing. 

The leaders got a good thermal. The second group had a more difficult time, especially as the wind increased. 

The ridge before goal was the decisive moment. The key was to get onto the windward side of the last ridge so that they could just soar the bowls that faced into the wind. 

Those behind got into the lee, in sink, and weren’t able to progress forward. 

Well done to the five valiant pilots who made it: Martin Jovanoski, Moonseob Lim, Jan Jares, Jihun Lee and Taesu Lee.

The first 5 pilots made goal, and thus all flew the same distance, and gained the same distance points. Today’s winner is therefore the one with a combination of the best speed points and lead out points.

Top 3 speed point winners – the fastest pilots round the course
02:14:42: Martin JOVANOSKI flying at an average speed of 25.3 km/h
02:35:11: Moonseob LIM
02:40:53: Jan JARES

Top 3 leading point baggers – those who were in the lead the most
80.4: Martin JOVANOSKI
68.4: Seyong JUNG
67.2: Mike LESTER

Top 3 in the task
1: Martin JOVANOSKI
2: Moonseob LIM
3: Jihun LEE

Best newcomer: Taesu LEE (5th)

Top 3 ladies in the task
1: Jinhee BAEK
2: Midori NAKANOME
3: Junghun PARK

Top 3 teams in the task
1: Davinci Gliders
2: Parapente Mag
3: Gin Gliders

In the team competition the top two pilots in each team are scored and the second one gives the ranking. The highest placed second team pilot today was Jihun LEE flying for team Davinci Gliders.

Photo gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qzo3ygeobuRSF15LA

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