Page 34 - MFW March 2024

WAIKATO CHAMPS

Alf Leong Memorial Trophy Noeline
Airsail MAC Pukekawa Craighead
10-11 February 2024

The Waikato Champs this year were a little light on entries
with Gary Mercer and Chris Charlton both unable to
attend after major operations and Clive Peachey, one of
our reliable No.1 pylon helpers, being not well.

On Saturday afternoon there was 11 Pilots along with
valuable Helpers, Tania Danks, Johnno and Corry Krook,
who turned up at the field. The weather was overcast with F3R start line
moderately light NW wind.

Using the newly acquired mats, for take-off, Q500 Sport
was first up. The two seasoned pilots, Len Krook and Ron
Stone battled for top place. Dave Coleman, Antony Wright
and Richard Thompson all flew consistently with only one
second separating Antony and Richard in the final results.

The Alf Leong Memorial trophy was being contended for
in F3R. Calling for both Stephen Collins and Ross
Craighead, Noeline guided Stephen to victory over Ross,
to take home the trophy for the second year running. Well
done, Stephen. Antony Wright went home the happiest
pilot of the weekend, achieving 3rd place, by 1.5 seconds
over Len Krook. Congratulations Antony. You’re finally
rewarded for all your dedication.
1st place F3R, Alf Leong Memorial Trophy ~ Stephen Collins
Sunday was strenuous flying conditions with the wind
changing to a very breezy SW. As flying was to get
underway, John Danks checked his weather station and
reported the wind was gusting to 58km at times and
steady at 53-54km, with threatening rain all around.

F3T had three entries, Les King, John Danks and Len
Krook. All pilots took the start line for the first flight.
Unfortunately, Les had a problem on take-off, flipping and
severely damaging his model. John and Len managed to
put in times and get their models back on the ground. In
the second round, Len was a little late getting away and
unfortunately, he and John collided on taking off, so they
were unable to complete flights. Len’s model sustained
significant damage; John, luckily, only had a broken prop.
With the wind not abating, both pilots opted to conclude
flying. After packing up, it was up to the Danks “Sports Bar” for a
cup of tea or coffee, results and prize giving.
The consensus from the F3E pilots was that the wind was
too ‘difficult’ to fly. Thank you to everyone for helping on the field. Thanks to
Airsail MAC for the preparation and use of the airfield and
to Sharon for the tea and coffee at the completion of the
Ross Craighead opted to ‘save’ his models and not fly
F3D. Len wanted to get his model in the air. After three day.
attempts to start his motor on the start line, he managed to
get a time on the 4th round, then called it a day while he The Kaikohe meet has been cancelled due to the NZTA
still had a model. closure of SH1 Brynderwyns. The Norsewood Easter
event has been rescheduled to 23-24 March at Airsail
With the weather not looking to improve, it was an early MAC.
finish for the day.
Happy Flying ~ see you in March.
Noeline

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