HG Competitions 2026 Panel Election

This has been a successful season for BOS with 8 scoring tasks flown over the two BOS competitions which is more than we’ve achieved for quite a few seasons. In addition the UK Nationals was held in Laragne, France in cooperation with the Czech Nationals. Organised by Oliver Moffat and with Jenny Buck as meethead the event had 5 successful tasks over the 7 days.

However we are saying goodbye to several key people this year..

Martin Colclough is stepping down as our goto meethead to concentrate on his PhD. We wish him well and thank him for his patience in herding us all onto the right hill and into the air over multiple competitions.

The panel is losing two people this year and one after the new financial year starts. 

Andy Lumb has done sterling service setting and formalising our safety policy and again we thank him for his hard work on this and other tasks.

Jon Sacre is also stepping back after many years of service. He covers many roles including negotiating venues as well as coordinating transport to ensure no cars are left on the hill and that everyone gets back from their XC flights with the minimum of stress for all.

Irene Carson who for a long time acted as the BOS lead and has set-up the current organisation. She also was a key lead in the Pilot Development Framework and a keen advocate for the Sports class in UK comps.  This last year after the untimely loss of our long term treasurer and friend Steve Penfold she has stepped into the Treasurers role.  This has taught us some very sharp and painful lessons about not having a single point of access.  Irene will remain in post until the new financial year so that she can train the new treasurer. I would like to thank her for the absolute powerhouse she has been in all these roles and on the panel and wish her and Donnie all the best going forward.

Should you wish to apply to join the panel please send your name into the ukhgcompspanel@gmail.com account by the end of September so we can if necessary run an election before the panel planning meeting in November should there be more than 3 candidates. 

If you feel there are any tasks associated with the competitions run by the panel that you can assist with and haven't already had a discussion please feel free to discuss with any of the current panel members as not everyone helping has to be on the panel.

Neil Atkinson 

Panel Chair

BOS2   Mid Wales    
8-15th August  based at Fforest Fields Campsite.

Early Bird Registration Deadline coming up
To benefit from the early bird price registration payment needs to be made before 1 July>

8 day event with Flexible, Partial entry options 
While it is an 8 day event, flexible, partial entry options are available to accommodate those who are unable to take a full week off.  Details of flexibility, prices and payment deadlines are available here:  BOS Round 2 ONLY Pricing Structure 2026

FAI Category 2 Status
Based on the forecast for registrations received to date, we have already applied for FAI Category 2 status. BOS Round 1 showed that good FAI WPRS points can be achieved despite low numbers in a class.  It also showed that good taskable days are possible despite what was a very dismal weather forecast for the week.

The British Open Series welcomes all - Why not come along and give it a try
For those who have not been before (or recently), the updated British Open Series is more than a competition - it welcomes all hang glider pilots at whatever level by offering personalised development opportunities based on our Pilot Development Pathway for new, up and coming and returning pilots.  For non-flying days a range of alternatives are organised including EPS repacks, development workshops, presentations and social activities.

Full details and registration links etc can be found here: British Open Series 2026 General Information and on the 2026 BOS Info tab on this website.

If you have any queries please contact Andrew Woods or Irene Carson (details in General Info document)