WCSA Bulletin Board

[jim finger]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has heard any news as to whether the World Class would be discontinued or if other 13 meter gliders would be allowed into the class? I had heard a rumor to that effect.

Thanks!

Jim
Summerville GA

[pinf]

Hi Jim, and all PW5 pilots,
At this point, several ideas are being discussed at IGC, revolving around the concept of opening the World Championship of the World Class to all gliders with a span of 13.5m or less, using a IGC handicap system for the contest to "level" the field between the older and newer gliders (possibly including motorgliders), and maintaining single-design sub-classes as part of the event with an additional separate scoring for each sub-class. A sub-class being defined as any set of N gliders of the same make and model, un-modified, participating at that World Championship of the World Class. N is being discussed as around 7, 8, or 10.
Note that this concerns the World Championship structure. The World Class itself really is not affected, in the sense that it can continue its activities in various countries that favor it, independently of the World Championships, just as in the past. In the US, for example, it could continue to have national contests, be a Team on the OLC, etc., just as in the past. When you think about it, the 1-26ers have had similar activities without having a World Championship.
With this enlargement and also regrouping of all "small wing" gliders into a "light-end" family at World Championship events , it may make sense to start thinking about a similar approach and coordinating events at the National level in the US, for example, holding all "small wing" national contests (1-26, World Class, 13.5m, etc.) together and as part of a single "light-end" (super)National event.
Any idea about that would be welcome...
Happy flights
François
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Francois Pin - FP