NEWS FROM WINGTECH and AIRBORNE:

This weekend, Alby Daniel (aka Wingtech & sailmaker extraordinaire) along with the Newcastle Hang Gliding Club and Airborne Windsports are holding the second annual Stingfest!

What is it? It's a (very relaxed and informal) hang gliding meet aimed at all HGFA members with aerotow experience. Pilots who fly Stings will get special privileges but ALL pilots and ALL wings are very welcome.

Where is it? At Denman in the Hunter Valley (it's one of the prettiest places I've ever flown).

When? From Saturday 9am.

Here is Alby's post from our club forum for more detail:

Mon, 12/04/2010 - 19:17 — Alby

The weather looks promising, the Marheine’s are keen, and the grass is mown.
So lets go!

Stingfest is ON!!!

Saturday morning. (shall we say 9am?)
Yarrawa International.
Bring flying stuff.
Bring stuff to help you make it through the night.
Bring some antidote.

If you think there’s a remote possibility that you might attend ( like….you have something else to do???…Pull the other one) please drop me a line at wingtech[at]idl.com.au . Or send me a message through this site. We’d just like to get an idea of numbers to help with logistics.

Many thanks and see you there...King!.

And this copy of a previous post is useful...
Things to know…

· Fest II is being run under the umbrella of the Newcastle Hang Gliding Club. Airborne and Wingtech are also contributing.
· It is open to all HGFA members with aero-tow experience. Sting pilots will get special privileges (it’s a STINGFEST after all) but all pilots & wings are super welcome.
· Safety will be a priority and all pilots are asked to help maintain our perfect safety record. Anyone compromising that record will get buried on site and never be spoken of again.
· Aim to get there early – especially if you want some practice in the smooth air.
· Initial briefing will be at 9am Saturday morning - please don’t miss it.
· Tasks will be weather dependent, but will probably include a task similar to (actually the same as) last year, with turnpoints.
· There will be a landing target with actual money on it for the one who nails it first. [No points if more than your feet and the tailpipe touch the ground. Even less points if you pile in.]

Things to bring…

· FIRE – Bring some in your belly. The next STINGKING will have to want that crown SO badly that he/she will sweat steam and belch flames. You want it? You got to prove it! Fly, fly, fly and then fly some more.
· FEAR – leave it at home – you will not need it here, (unless you are the previous King).
· FOOD – There will be a BBQ on Saturday evening. After a big day in the air you will be starving & thirsty. If you want meat, bring some. If you want to have a drink, bring some. Salads will be supplied for the BBQ. Breakfast on Sunday morning – bring it or buy it in town. Worth noting is that the new owners of the Café in Denman now serve HOT coffee and eggs etc without the attitude.
· FUNDS – Sting pilots tow for free on Saturday (it’s a STINGFEST after all). Other wings are welcome but you will fork out the usual $15 to 2000ft for tows (insultingly cheap). Sunday will be a normal tow-day so bring some readies for the tuggies. $10 for the pleasure of staying at the strip might be a nice idea too.
· FURNITURE – usual camping stuff should see you comfy – Plate, eating tools, chair, tent, beer, bucket etc. bring as much or as little as you need.
· FLYING STUFF – Maybe check your equipment BEFORE you arrive? Maybe bring some rings. Maybe bring some weak-link (#8 Donaghys nylon builders line). There’s nothing like being self sufficient with towing supplies.

This may well be the last STINGFEST at Yarrawa due to the proposed coal mine, so turn up and be a part of history. Miss it at your peril.

For the newbies…go to Denman, take the Yarrawa Road south-west to Yarrawa via the deviation. Keep you eyes right then turn off at the bus shelter with the flying in the background. Drive SLOWLY when on the property and use common sense around the strips.