Originally Posted by
one dot right
Where was the glider from?
Parham. ( Southdown Gliding Club ) They were apparently soaring the Beachy Head cliffs and ( for once ) 'ran out of breeze', probably as it backed more easterly than southerly.
From cliff top height one only has a little time to get the auxiliary running and that requires diving to get the fan spinning. If it doesn't run then into the drink you go!
Ditching a sailplane is pretty much a non-event apart from some types noting a nose 'submarine' to as much as 2m below the surface once it settles. In some competitions in Scandinavia a lake may be the only place to go if you cock up the day, far preferable to the treetops!