Yes, the weather was less than ideal, especially for flying microlights.
I flew in on Friday, with a 3 other Essex based microlights and the flight down was great. We had cloud down to 2k over Kent but pressed further south and the channel was completely cloud free. More Essex flyers joined us during the day and by late afternoon Sandown was home to around 100 aircraft.
On Friday evening, we went for a local over to the Needles and it was absolutely perfect for bimbling around for fun.
Saturday was light rain with cloud occasionally down to the deck. We hadn't expected to fly due to the weather forecast, so made a start on the beer tent. Plenty more did fly in but plenty had to abort and stop off at enroute destinations.
Saturday night saw a big party in the marquee, with a lively karoake. Although the numbers were well down on last year, the bar still took £3500
and the night didn't finish until 3am.
More people flew in Sunday morning but the winds steadily increased and by late morning it was blowing 16kts to 28kts. We planned to wait until the evening before leaving and watched microlights and GA geting tossed about as they went for home. By evening the TAFs were giving CBs for Essex and Kent and loved ones started ringing, saying it was tipping it down.
Another night in Sandown then
We got up at 4am and were in the air at 4.50am for a beautiful flight back to Essex. I hadn't flown this early before at it really was lovely flying.
I landed, drove home, showered, shaved and was in work for 8.00am
Its a shame that Saturday and Sunday were not favourable for flying slow aircraft, but it was still a great weekend. Despite the weather, people came from afar as Ireland and Scotland.
I think final numbers were around 250.
