THIS HAS BEEN YEAR FOUR

Mixed results this year, May and July’s efforts were hampered by bad weather & wind problems respectfully, however the two donated CARL LONGBOTTOM power sleds were tested to the teams satisfaction and the extra 20,000ft of line added to the existing 20,000ft on the drum (the drum is now powered by a varispeeed hydraulic feed from the farm tractor used as an anchor).

The August attempt looked good, 20,000ft of line with 6 kites at intervals was reeled out and time allowed for lift stablisation a trg. reading was made giving an estimated height of 10,000ft. On wind-down the Garmin system gave a final hight of 9,729ft a NEW RECORD for the group.

The final attempt in September saw 35 to 45kph upper winds, In just under 3 hours 25,000ft of line was out with the line pull at 220lb, rather high). The top kite was estimated at 11,000ft but there was concern regarding the extra pull generated on the descent and this proved correct as on the wind-in there was a loud bang and the line pull dropped to100lb. The four top kites were lost (including the Longbottom sleds) together with 6,000ft of dynema and the Garmin altimeter. So no record of the new total height, ……..ouch!!

The team this year were Dick Abbs, Dave Haddock, John Atkinson, Scott Butler, Dennis England, Kevin Heasman, John Ostler and Clive Paddison
Special thanks to the Farmer, John Atkinson for the use if his land and the invaluable tractor.

This not an official club activity, The team are from several clubs all with an interest in breaking the current record of 22.000ft. Their organiser is Dennis England.