Pete Lehmann as the day winner writes our task report:

The first task day at Guyuan had excellent conditions, but stronger than forecast winds aloft made for a much tougher task than had been anticipated with only two making goal. The task was a 56km out'n'back to the west, but the 20-25 kph crosswind and some big blue holes made it difficult.

Only two pilots made goal, Jonny Durand was predictably first and fastest (circa two hours) flying a lower, riskier route than Pete Lehmann(circa 2:45) who flew in the cautious, higher, and slower mode appropriate to his advanced years.

At one point Jonny found himself down well below 700ft agl over a hill infested with windmills to add drama to the occasion. Overall, climbs had been quite good, and cloudbase was at 12,400 msl (7,700 agl) with reliable clouds. Fun day.