Rev Kite Team Notes, The Decorators

I did not notice that the cable car across the Thames was not operating this morning on the way to Blackheath.  This, apart from flags along the way, would be an indicator that the close isobars on the weather map were an accurate forecast. So it was Xtra Vent with 4 wrap that kept things sane as Jacob called some close moves in what would have...

Heavy snow (for London) today makes it look like our gamble on the weather for the Shipley meeting last weekend really paid off. A steady N/NE breeze with full sail 1.5 Race or 3 wrap worked well today.  Some plaiting of lines was un-done gracefully in the air.  The lines were a bit discoloured from last weekend but not enough to show up in...

We had a great afternoon on Saturday mostly flying 12 (full 1.5 Race Rods) and getting up to speed with some of the 'familiar' team moves in the larger format.  It was a bit muddy as in the attached image. Occasionally we came up against the limitations of 'in-line' flying and we did switch to grid for a while.  I think that ease of movemen...

The anticyclonic gloom had descended on Blackheath today but fortunately the drizzle held off.  The grass was very wet though so we had very tightly bound lines to contend with while setting up.  It always amazes me just how much adhesion can result so quickly.  It was a marginal breeze today which did not help matters particulary. We...

A clear bright start to the year.  Happy New Year to all. Standard vented with green race rods worked well for me initially but a slight strengthening of the breeze towards the end of our fly showed just how finely balanced the configurations can be. Hanging on in a cold breeze is not as good as energetic input to keep the chill at bay. The...

A short fly today given the strong westerly breeze. Xtra Vent with green race initially but replaced with Strong/4 wrap quite quickly when the initially warming sun disappeared behind clouds rapidly approaching from the west. There were a few breaks in the cloud subsequently but also rain falling from apparently clear blue sky as in the attached...

It was bright on the way c10:45am to Blackheath but the high level cloud was approaching from the west. A brisk breeze so xtra vented with green race provided a relaxed configuration.  No physical stress beyond dealing with the occasional lulls.  Most of the time LE up was fine for holding the hover. Plenty of close improvisation with...

It was dull and breezy at 10:30am today.  Full vented with 4 wrap.  Quiet, so I took the opportunity to try the new leaders. I am convinced that shorter adjustment intervals are the way to go but equally sure that sliding knots are not sensible. Ultimately, equalising the lines is the critical element so finding a way to undo and re-ti...

A sunny south westerly day, standard 1.5 sails with race rods. Just enough 'forwards' to be able to land on the vertical spar point only and hold the angle without dropping to the leading edge end as well.I forgot to pick up my newly tied 'micro adjusting' <grins> snag-less handles so that will have to wait for another weekend.Four...

The heath is finally returning to pre-Olympic conditions. The last of the temporary fencing has gone.A rising breeze today meant that we soon adopted Xtra vent sails with green race spars.Three fliers indulged in lazy free form flying with some very neat 'treacle' flying moments.Slow rotation in close proximity to other kites in relatively high wi...