Control Line Nationals 2010
After several years of good flying conditions, we were greeted with regular showers and general uncertainty. The wind was moderate most of the time except in the middle of the Classic. The entry was the best for some years, six in F2B and four in Classic, and John Molloy (F2B) and Ralph McCarthy (F2B and Classic) survived very wet and cold conditions to carry out the Judging, which was much appreciated.
Flying commenced about 11.00, with two rounds of F2B being flown in traditionally timely fashion. The rounds were split by a shower, but the rain held off - just, but it returned when Classic commenced, and it had to be abandoned after two flights. When the rain began to peter out, it was stormy at first, but the last two flights were made, and Chris at least had the satisfaction of a full flight to count.
Adam Tarran, flying one of John Hamilton's models, which have all gone to good homes, was a revelation, despite some speeding up in the manoeuvres. He will no doubt be working on this over the winter. Everyone else except Maurice had motor or other problems, Peter in particular being caught out on his first takeoff by the undulations in the site. Kevin managed to plant his Ruffy in Classic with minimal damage and an undercaniage needing bent forward, one of the benefits of a bog site.
Portlaois Club excelled themselves with a complete and generous circle of cut gra s, with Control Line able to be flown without interfering with the Radio Scale Nationals which was flown the same weekend. They seemed to be affected at least as badly by the rain, and no doubt the attendant very bad visibility was more significant when flying more than 70 feet from the flier. Our thanks to them for the use of this excellent flying site, and their hospitality and facilities.
| Pilot | Class | Round 1 | Round 2 | Final Score | Place |
| Maurice Doyle | F2B Stunt | 2002 | 1943 | 3945 | 1st |
| Alan Taran | F2B Stunt | 1855 | 1934 | 3789 | 2nd |
| Kevin Barry | F2B Stunt | 1625 | 1737 | 3362 | 3rd |
| Stu Holland | F2B Stunt | 1557 | 1692 | 3249 | 4th |
| Peter Bradshaw | F2B Stunt | 1617 | 1535 | 3152 | 5th |
| Chris Gilbert | F2B Stunt | 420 | 1527 | 1947 | 6th |
| Stu Holland | Classic Stunt | 914 | 0 | 914 | 1st |
| Maurice Doyle | Classic Stunt | 873 | 0 | 873 | 2nd |
| Chris Gilbert | Classic Stunt | 802 | 0 | 802 | 3rd |
| Kevin Barry | Classic Stunt | 502 | 0 | 502 | 4th |