Weather wins, but not without a fight, Lake Forsyth 2015
The weather gods were determined to ruin this year’s Float and Field fly-in at Lake Forsyth, but many people still managed to fly, especially on the Saturday.
Overcast and cold conditions kept some fliers on the ground, but many models made it in to the air from both the land strip and off the lake.
The quad boys started a little pre-event competition a day earlier with quad racing around a course they had laid out. A number of fliers took part in this one with the usual amount of carnage to props etc.
The large marquee tent was invaluable this year as many models and modellers made it under this when the drizzle got a little too much. A magnificent large model helicopter dominated most people’s interest in here.
The raffles were drawn and the prize-giving awards were presented a little early on the Sunday, due to the weather. Jeremy McLean was a deserved winner of the float and field cup and proved that the weather wasn’t going to stop him enjoying himself with his rare Polikarpov I-16.
Although the weather was a disappointment, we still feel that this time of the year is a good time for this fly-in. The event has been running for 19 years, since 1996, and we have only had to cancel once.
Thanks to Kelly Fountaine and Nigel Philips for the photos.
Video from Paul Spinoglio in Dunedin (Speadfreaknz on Youtube)
Winners:
- Best overall model: POLIKARPOV I-16 Jeremy McLean
- Pilots’ Choice:
- Best land plane: POLIKARPOV Jeremy McLean
- Best float plane: CANADAIR Roger Atkinson
- Best helicopter: SUPER SEA SPRITE Gavin Jordan
- Oldest flier: Don Brown
- Youngest flier: Jack Clapham
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