BOS 2023 - FAQs

Based on questions which have been asked about the proposals for BOS 2023, we have created this FAQ document which will be updated as further questions arise.

Thanks to everyone who has submitted the Expression of Interest Form which has contributed to many of the questions raised.  These returns have been really helpful for planning purposes. 
Pilots entering the BOS Challenge are asked to complete this form as well as registering for the event as it will provide us with additional information about your experience and currency which is needed by the coach.

REGISTRATION: 

BOS REGISTRATION - ROUND 1

BOS REGISTRATION - ROUND 2

Registration for the FLY-In will be available after BOS 2

• If you do not already have a CIVL ID you will need to register for one.  Once you do that it will take you into the registration form for the event.  
• You will be asked for your FAI ID - if you do not have one click on the GET FAI ID button, then click on CONTINUE WITHOUT FAI ID.
• You also need to enter a number (any number will do)
• National number = BHPA number
• Insurance - BHPA will do
• Glider - if your glider is not listed - choose any

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST RETURN:  Expression of Interest Form

Why have we been asked to complete an Expression of Interest Form this year?

• With reduced numbers committing, in advance, to BOS over the last few years, it has been difficult for organisers to know what sort of numbers to expect.  While we understand that making an early commitment does not suit everyone, it is important for us to get a good idea of possible numbers as a starting point, as we have a limited budget to work with.  The information in this return allows us to better guess the likely numbers for such things as the BOS meals, T-shirt orders, trophies and the like.  
• This year in particular, because some of the BOS proposals are new, we wanted to find out if there was an appetite for what we are offering.  Numbers of CPs interested in the BOS Challenge also gives us an idea of the numbers of coaches we might need to support them.
• Some people tell us they don’t look at social media and often don't hear about things till the last minute.  We have asked people who regularly attend BOS to complete a form even if they know they do not planning to attend this year.  This weekend we will be emailing the regulars who have not submitted a return before 6 March to ensure they have all the information they need to make decisions.

If I have not yet completed a form should I still do so?

• Yes - the deadlines for return are based around our planning meeting dates.  This form will continue to be available until full registration procedures are advertised.

Should I complete a new form if my return is no longer accurate?

• Not required, but if there are SIGNIFICANT CHANGES to the events you intend to come to then a new form would be helpful.  If completing a second form please say so in the final comments.

CAMPSITE BOOKING

Do I need to book in advance for the campsites?

• Advance booking is not essential but Street Head Campsite, in particular, is small and there are few alternative campsites close by, so you are strongly advised to book early. 
  Priority booking for Street Head Caravan Park for BOS 1 has now closed.  Further bookings must be made directly with caravan site.  Use 'BOS23' (including quotes) for discount>
  BOS End of Season FLY-IN - Priority booking for the BOS Fly-in (Sept 9-11) is available until 21 May using
  BOS END OF SEASON FLYIN - STREETHEAD CAMPSITE PRIORITY BOOKING FORM
  BOS has a block booking for ALL the pitches on the Street Head site but only until 21 May after which time the pitches become open to the public.  After 21 May booking should be made direct with the campsite using 'BOS23' (including quotes) for discount.  Caravans and campervans in particular are advised to book early.
• Fforest Fields is a much larger site, but is very busy at weekends.  Early booking is recommended especially if you want electric hook up.

THE EVENTS

How are the different events organised?

• The Competitions are all 5 day events from Saturday to Wednesday.
• The BOS Challenge is not a competition (though can be scored for interest and practice).  As the main target group for the BOS Challenge is CPs and low currency pilots, BHPA Club Coaches will be available to provide support.  We will not have the capacity to support this mid-week. For this reason, the Challenge events run on Saturday and Sunday only. 
• BOS Challenge entrants can free fly on the remaining 3 days if they have appropriate experience for the site and conditions.  This must be negotiated with the Meet Director.
• Depending on the conditions, the size of the site and the numbers involved, there may be a need to have separate windows for each group, e.g. Challenge pilots may have flying windows before and after the competition windows with some ground based coaching/discussions/observation when the competition window is open. 
• It may be that the Competition and the Challenge (and possibly Club Class competition) go to different sites.  Decisions about this will be based on conditions and site availability. 
• Club Class pilots will be consulted about whether or not to move to a different site.

What about the End of Season Fly-in?

• This is a fun, end of season Fly-in for anyone who wants to come along.  This is a 3 day event from Saturday to Monday. 
• Unless additional tasks are required for the BOS Championships, there will be no organised competition at the Fly-in.  However, for those who want to compete, there is no reason why informal tasks cannot be set and scored at the Fly-in.
• If additional competition scoring days are required, Championship tasks will run on the Saturday and Sunday only.
• There will be an End of Season meal on the Sunday evening.  The cost of this meal will be advertised soon after the end of BOS 2.  Advance booking for the meal will be required.
• Priority booking for the caravan site is available until 21 May using 
  BOS END OF SEASON FLYIN - STREETHEAD CAMPSITE PRIORITY BOOKING FORM

SUPPORT FOR CLUB PILOTS

What support is offered to Club Pilots on BOS Challenge Days?

• We are looking for BHPA Club Coaches to volunteer on the Saturday and/or Sunday to support Club Pilots, low airtime and low currency pilots who are looking for support.  
• Club Pilots with less than 5 hours need to be accompanied by a pilot who knows them well and who can provide support, otherwise they may not be able to actually fly at an event.  
• We are also planning to run some coaching talks depending on time available.
• If you are a Club Pilot and know a coach who might help, please encourage them to get in touch with us.  All current coaches have been contacted by email via the BHPA.

How will volunteer coaches be compensated?

• We are offering rewards to coaches as detailed on the website. https://hgcomps.uk/books/02-5-rewards-coaches-can-you-help

FREE FLYING

Can I just turn up and free fly during a BOS round?

• While we cannot stop you from free-flying, we are asking all pilots who wish to fly during a BOS event to register (once registration opens) and pay the appropriate entry fee. 
• The BOS pays gratuities to landowners, farmers and helpers - all we are asking is for support towards these additional costs.  There is a higher entry fee for CPs which goes towards paying for expenses for volunteer coaches.
  • If Pilot Rated the entry fee per BOS round is £10.
  • If Club Pilot rated, or if you are not current and would like support, the entry fee per event is £35.  
• Registration allows us to have the details of everyone on the hill at such an event.  This can really help in the event of an accident.

Please note this booking form is only available until 15 March after which booking must be on their website:
 

FORM NO LONGER ACCEPTING RESPONSES

How to Apply for BOS events - TO FOLLOW

Application Process for:

• BOS1 Competitions: BOS REGISTRATION - ROUND 1
• BOS2 Competitions: BOS REGISTRATION - ROUND 2
• BOS1 Challenge Weekend: Please use above link to Round 1 and select Class 2 as discipline 
• BOS2 Challenge Weekend: Please use above link to Round 2 and select Class 2 as discipline 
• BOS End of Season Fly-in: INFORMATION TO FOLLOW in July

Additional Scoring Days: If additional scoring days are required at the Fly-in, a separate application process will be made available after BOS2.

Anyone who might be interested in joining the BOS this year in any capacity (e.g. Competitor, BOS Challenge pilot, Coach) is asked to complete this form by 19 March.  The initial return date of 6 March has been extended to allow further returns before our next Panel meeting on 19 March.

Submission of this form will greatly help us with our planning for the year.

BOS23 Expression of Interest Form

BOS END OF SEASON FLYIN - STREETHEAD CAMPSITE PRIORITY BOOKING FORM

The above form is available until 21 May for Priority booking for Street Head Caravan site for BOS Fly-in (September 9-11).

Bookings after that date should be made directly with caravan site.  Use 'BOS23' (including quotes) for discount.

TUESDAY MEAL ORDER FORM

T-shirt from BOS2023 can be ordered using the following link which includes more information.  

ADDITIONAL T-SHIRT ORDER FORM 2023

Registered pilots in Class1, Class 5 and Club Class should only use this form if ordering additional T-Shirts as your own T-shirt is included with your entry fee and will be ordered based on the Size you included at registration.

Challenge entrants do need to order a T-Shirt (at a discounted rate) if you want one.  Details on the form.

OUTLINE PLAN FOR 2023
For 2023 the BHPA Hang Gliding Competitions Panel (the Panel) will be running the following:
BRITISH OPEN SERIES - COMPETITIONS

Classes

• Class 1 (Flexwing Gliders)
• Class 5 (Rigid Wing Gliders)
• Club Class (Flexwings + other glider types accepted with a ‘handicap’). Note - Club Class is a separate but closely linked competition for less experienced competitors who do not feel ready to commit to national level competition

Competitions: 

• Individual BOS Rounds: 
  • For each of the above classes
  • Each round is scored separately
• The BOS Championship: 
  • For each of the above classes
  • Scored across all valid scoring tasks across all rounds in the Series
• The British Open: 
  • For Class 1 
  • Normally held in round 1

BRITISH OPEN SERIES - NON-COMPETITIVE EVENTS

NEW - BOS Challenge Weekends - non-competitive event

• For Club Pilots and above
• Supported by Coaches

NEW - End of Season Fly-in 

• 3 day Fly-in and Social Event
• For Club PIlots and above
• Supported by Coaches
• Additional BOS Scoring Days (if needed) will be held at this event.

For planning purposes you are asked to complete this Initial Expression of Interest Form as soon as possible. The initial return date of  6 March has been extended until 19 March to allow further information in advance of our next Panel Meeting on 21 March.  I

More detailed entry forms will be made available when all the information required has been confirmed.

OVERVIEW

The British Open Series (BOS) is a flexible, accessible and friendly series of UK based national competitions, for Flexwings (Class 1), Rigid Wings (Class 5) and Club Classes.  Club Class is designed for those pilots who wish to develop their skills, but are not yet ready to commit themselves fully to national level. You will find pilots from Club Class level right up to national squad level taking part in the British Open Series.

The BOS is totally UK based. Pilots can choose to enter one or more rounds, but do not have to commit themselves right from the start.  However, there is a surcharge for entries paid later than
1 May 2023 or for entering only a single round.

The Panel has made a number of changes to the format of events for 2023, but there will be no significant change to much of the format of the competitions for Class 1 and Class 5.  Its challenging race to goal tasks will still provide a highly competitive platform for experienced pilots to compete directly against others on the same task, on the same day, in the same conditions.  

The Club Class Competition will also run in 2023 with some changes to provide more flexibility for Club Class entrants.

For 2023 the British Open Series will consist of two separate BOS rounds which will each run for 5 days from a Saturday to the following Wednesday. 

Each BOS round is a separate competition in its own right, but together they comprise the overall series.  

New for 2023

BOS Challenge Weekends for Club Pilots (and above):  Alongside the BOS Competitions detailed below, the Panel are running BOS Challenge Weekends and an End of Season Fly-in to allow Club Pilots to participate, with support from a BHPA Coach. 

End of Season Fly-in:  For 2023, a non-competitive End of Season Fly-in and social event will also be organised for a long weekend (Saturday to Monday) in September.  Again this event will be supported by Club Coaches to allow Club Pilots to participate.

Additional Scoring Days: If too few valid scoring tasks have been achieved in the course of the two BOS Rounds, additional scoring days will be held on the Saturday and Sunday of the End of Season Fly-in. The Monday will not normally be used as an additional scoring day to avoid it being disadvantageous to pilots who cannot stay longer. 

BOS 2023: Location and Dates

BOS 1 and BOS 2 events for 2023 will run from the Saturday until the Wednesday, with free flying opportunities available for those who may wish to stay on for the full week.  

• BOS 1: Base - Yorkshire Dales - Streethead Caravan Site
           Competition Dates: Sat 10 June to Wed 14 June
           Challenge  Weekend: Sat 10 and Sun 11 June
   
• BOS 2: Base - Wales - Fforest Fields Caravan Site
           Competition Dates: Sat 1 July to Wed 5 July
           Challenge Weekend: Sat 1 and Sunday 2 July
   
• End of Season Fly-in: Base - Yorkshire Dales - Streethead Caravan Site 
            Fly-in Dates:  Sat 9 to Mon 11 September

Campsite Booking and Other Accommodation

• BOS23 Street Head Caravan Park:
  BOS 1  NOTE: Priority Booking Period for this site ends 15 MARCH - after this date contact campsite direct
  BOS FLY-IN - BOS has block booked the campsite and has priority booking until 21 May after which pitches will be available to the public. 
  Use the BOS END OF SEASON FLYIN - STREETHEAD CAMPSITE PRIORITY BOOKING FORM BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY ON 21 MAY to avoid disappointment if you are planning to stay at Street Head for the Fly-in.  This is especially important for caravans and camper vans.
  From 22 May, book directly with the campsite and use code 'BOS 23' for discount (include quotes if booking on website
   
• Fforest Fields Campsite information and booking: 
                   Book direct but early booking advised.
   
• For other accommodation nearby: You are advised to use the postcode for Streethead and Fforest Fields and look on accommodation search site e.g. Booking.com and Airbnb for options. You are recommended to contact providers directly for the best deals. 
   
• For other activities in the area: There are multiple visitor attractions in both areas for non-fliers or non-flying days. These are easily found on the Internet.  

Campsite Booking and Other Accommodation

STREET HEAD CARAVAN PARK

• BOS 1 - Priority Booking Period for BOS 1 has now ended. Further bookings should be made directly with the caravan park.  Use code 'BOS23' for discount (include quotes if booking on website).

• BOS FLY-IN - BOS has block booked the campsite and has priority booking until 21 May after which pitches will be available to the public. 
  Use the BOS END OF SEASON FLYIN - STREETHEAD CAMPSITE PRIORITY BOOKING FORM BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY ON 21 MAY to avoid disappointment if you are planning to stay at Street Head for the Fly-in.  This is especially important for caravans and camper vans.
  From 22 May, book directly with the campsite and use code 'BOS 23' for discount (include quotes if booking on website).

FFOREST FIELDS CAMPSITE

• Fforest Fields Campsite information and booking:
           Book direct but early booking advised.

OTHER ACCOMODATION NEARBY

• You are advised to use the postcode for Streethead and Fforest Fields and look on accommodation search site e.g. Booking.com and Airbnb for options. You are recommended to contact providers directly for the best deals. 

• For other activities in the area: There are multiple visitor attractions in both areas for non-fliers or non-flying days. These are easily found on the Internet.  

BOS CHALLENGE WEEKENDS/BOS FLY-IN:

REWARDS FOR COACHES

What we can offer on BOS Challenge Weekends and Fly-in for those with a Club Pilot rating, will ultimately depend on us being able to encourage some BHPA Club Coaches to support these events.

If you know of coaches who might be able to help, especially if they are local to the areas where we are holding the events, please tell them about these events and ask them to contact us for more information on hgcompspanel@gmail.com or complete the BOS23 Expression of Interest Form.

To show our appreciation of volunteer coaches, they will be given: 

• An agreed gratuity towards expenses - level to be agreed once a better estimate of numbers is known
• Some beers at the Saturday night campsite social gathering
• The same ‘freebies’ as BOS Competition entrants (e.g. T-shirt/Umbrella)
• Free entry to the BOS Championship for the remaining BOS days
• Free Tuesday Evening BOS Meal/Sunday Evening Fly-in Meal

While the BOS Competitions run from Saturday to Wednesday, the BOS Challenge will only run on Saturday and Sunday. 

While we do not think we have the capacity to provide support on any additional days, BOS Challenge entrants, with enough experience, are welcome to stay on for the remaining days to free fly, with the approval of the Meet Director, if the conditions and the competition sites are suitable.

Alternatively, they may wish to stay on to support the competitors as a retrieve driver for example.

COMMUNICATIONS

Email: The Panel email is hgcompspanel@gmail.com

Radios: Competition pilots are recommended to fly with a Radio.  Information about the safety channel will be provided at the initial briefing.

HG Comps Website - https://hgcomps.uk/ :Used by the  Panel to make announcements and share documents.  Key information  in advance of events will be posted here. Links to new posts on the website will also be posted on the BOS Official (Telegram) and British Hangies Facebook.
Limited Internet access means that the website is unlikely to be updated during events.

BOS Telegram Groups: The following Telegram Groups are used for BOS.

• BOS Official:  Posts should only be made by the Meet Director and organisers by others in to pass on urgent safety information.
• BOS Scurrilous: This group is available to all participants and supporters in any BOS event.
• BOS Pyramid Retrieve: For use by those opting into or supporting the Pyramid Retrieve system.
• BOS Challenge: To allow information sharing between BOS Challenge participants and Coaches

In the event of an accident or incident 

• In the event of a serious incident it is important to keep communication channels free for those involved in dealing with the incident.  
• The Meet Director will ensure a BHPA Incident Report is completed.  If you witnessed the incident please contact the Meet Director.
• Under no circumstances should anything about an incident be posted on Social Media.
• Media requests for information should be directed to Meet Director or the BHPA.

The name of anyone involved in an incident MUST NEVER BE SHARED on social media.  It is up to that person and/or their family to share such information if and when they choose.

Application Process for BOS 1 and BOS 2 is now open - links below

https://civlcomps.org/event/british-open-series-round-1

https://civlcomps.org/event/british-open-series-round-2

Thanks to Katie Tracey for the banner photos.

DISCOUNT DEADLINE REMINDER: You are reminded that if entering both events then the price is significantly less if you register on or before 1 May.

NOTE RE CLASSES:

• Hang Gliding Class 1 Sport is to be used for Club Class Entries
• Hang Gliding Class 2 is to be used for registration for all non-competitive entries

If you have previously registered for a CIVL event:  log in and the process should be straightforward. 

If you do not already have a CIVL account:  here are some tips:

• Choose the "Registration" link and follow the instructions.
• Once you have a CIVL ID you can register for the BOS competitions.  

A couple of points to note during the registration process:

• The system will ask you for a "participant number".  Choose any number you like, for example a number on your wing if you have one.  The system will tell you if that number has been taken; choose a different one.
• The system requires you to enter your insurance details.  For British pilots "NHS" will do in the "Insurance company" field, and "123" will do for a number.
• For licence numbers etc use your BHPA number.  
• You only need to complete the essential sections (unless you want to add more)

If you have difficulties registering: Email - hgcompspanel@gmail.com and I will try to help you out. (Irene)

Once registered:

• You will show as on the waiting list
• Your status will change once payment has been confirmed. 
  (This may not be immediate so please be patient). 

Registration for the BOS End of Season Fly-in - to follow

This will be published after BOS 2 when we will know if it will include Additional Scoring Days or not.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS
Payments
Entries will only be confirmed after payment has been made. All entries must be paid in advance by electronic banking.

How to make a payment
Bank Account Details:  Please note the unusual name of the bank account.  It really is all typed in wrong but has been impossible to correct so far!  
Please enter it exactly as shown below.

• Natwest

• Account Name: COMPETION ENTRY LEES

• Sort code: 01-05-41

• Account number: 40645754

International entries: we are able to accept paypal, please email us on hgcompspanel@gmail.com

Refunds
Cancellation by Pilot: Any pilot who cancels their registration for an event will be given a refund as follows: 

• Cancellation date more than 30 days before the competition start date : 50% refund 
• Less than 30 days before the competition start date. No refund

The following caveat applies: Any pilot unable to compete through unforeseeable circumstances beyond their control should email us at hgcompspanel@gmail.com as soon as possible. Any refund, if appropriate, will be at the discretion of the Panel. Supporting evidence may be required.

Cancellation by the HG Competitions Panel:  In the event the British Hang Gliding Competitions Panel deem it necessary to cancel, relocate, or reschedule the competition you will be entitled to a partial refund. This will be on the scale as follows: 

• Up to 30 days before the competition start date : 100% less a £20 admin charge 
• Between 30 and 7 days before the competition start date: 75% refund
• Less than 7 days before the competition start date: a lesser percentage to be determined. This lesser percentage will be the balance of funds once any costs incurred by the British Hang Gliding Competitions Panel have been deducted. 
• After the start of the competition, any refunds will be at the sole discretion of the British Hang Gliding Competitions Panel. 

The British Hang Gliding Competitions Panel will not be liable for any costs incurred by anyone attending, or intending to attend the event, or any consequential losses arising from the cancellation, relocation, or rescheduling of the event.

Competition Entry Requirements

• All UK Pilots: Must be current BHPA members with a minimum rating of Pilot. 
• Non-UK based pilots: Must hold a minimum pilot rating of Pilot or its equivalent. For pilots holding a qualification awarded by another nation’s hang gliding association this must be at least equivalent to the International Safepro 4 standard. An FAI IPPI card may be required as proof of this.
• All Pilots: Will be required to use a suitable GPS or combined GPS/instrument for scoring purposes - 3d track log recorded as IGC file is recommended. 
  An instrument that records barometric and GPS altitude is to be preferred.
  If you can please work out a way to send in your igc file by email from your phone after you land. This saves a lot of time scoring the day.
  There are many phone apps that will record an igc while you fly, such as Richard Hunts "tracker" on android. This makes it easy to email in your track log.  https://mycloudbase.com/tracker/download.htm
• The scoring program we use takes the track log from your GPS, to produce the results. You must have your own instrument, and know how to use it, especially in respect to turn-points (waypoints).
  If you need to get the track log from an instrument that needs its own special lead, be sure to bring the lead with you.
• Though we try to avoid doing so, you may be required to enter a new waypoint invented on the hill, using coordinates supplied on the day. These will be in the format: DDD, MM.MMM, so prepare your instrument in this format
• Radios: Competition pilots are recommended to fly with a Radio.  Information about the safety channel will be provided at the initial briefing.

At its February meeting, the Competitions Panel decided that, for a number of reasons, the 2023 BOS competitions will not be registered for CIVL Category 2 status.  The reasons behind the decision are detailed in the “Category 2 Reasoning” paper available here.

BRITISH OPEN SERIES - COMPETITIONS

Classes

Three BOS Championship Classes:

• Class 1 (Flexwing Gliders)
• Class 5 (Rigid Wing Gliders)
• Club Class (Flexwings + other glider types accepted with a ‘handicap’).
  Club Class is a separate, but closely linked competition for less experienced competitors who do not feel ready to commit to national competition level. 
  The scoring for the BOS Series Championship for Club Class is different to the other classes to allow more flexibility in task setting.

Sports Class Trophy

While there will be no separate Sports Class competition in 2023,
a Sports Class Trophy will be awarded at the end of the BOS Series, to the highest scoring Class1 competitor, flying a king posted glider.
 

The Competitions: 

• Individual BOS Rounds: 
  • For each of the above classes
  • Each round is scored separately
     
• The BOS Championship: 
  • For each of the above classes
  • Scored across all valid scoring tasks across all rounds in the Series
     
• The British Open: 
  • For Class 1 
  • Normally held in Round 1

Consideration of future inclusion of a Sports Class will be included in the BOS Review planned for September 2023.

BOS Club Class Championship - Additional Information

While the Club Class competition has aimed to provide a stepping stone into the Open Class, it has not achieved this as well as had been anticipated in recent years.  The Club Class competition for 2023 will be more flexible to allow a change of site or task if that is likely to result in better flying experiences for Club Class entrants. 

Club Class - Glider Handicap system 

While the Club Class is designed for Flexwings, a handicap system will be used to allow pilots flying Topless or Rigids to enter.  The details of the handicap will be confirmed later.
 

Club Class - Tasks

Increased flexibility for Club Class has been built in, aiming to allow better flying experiences for entrants.  Decisions about whether or not to set an XC Task and/or use the same site as Class 1 and Class 5, will be made by the Meet Director in consultation with the Safety Committee and Club Class entrants. 
Alternatives could include:

• Moving to an easier site if bottom landings are problematic (for example at Camlo)
• Downwind XC task from a different site
• Grid Tasks in front of the same or an alternative hill (More information to follow)  
• Ridge race (same or alternative hill)
• Top or bottom landing accuracy
• Others as suggested by pilots with local knowledge
• Joining the BOS Challenge group for non-scoring flying challenges
   

Club Class - Scoring

• Scoring will need to allow for a more flexible range of tasks.  While the same scoring system, as used in the BOS Championship described above will be used for XC Tasks, a task specific scoring system will be agreed on the day if an alternative task is to be used. On some days the decision may be made that the scoring for an alternative task would not be included in the Series Scores.
  ‘normalised’ to 500 points for Club Class Series scores. This means tasks will be scaled UP or DOWN.
   
• To allow a fair result at the end of the Series for Club Class, each scored task which is to count will be
   
• Where an alternative task is to run on the same site as the BOS Championship task, the window for Club Pilots may be closed for a period of time to give priority to Class 1 and Class 5 entrants.
   

Club Class - GBAR Points

Points gained in GBAR will not count for the Club Class Series scores.

Moving up a class from Club Class

The previous requirement to ‘move up’ a class after winning the Club Class Series has been withdrawn for 2023, as the Panel feel this should be pilot choice based on readiness rather than a single win.  Pilots who have previously ‘moved up’ but would prefer to remain in/return to Club Class will have the option to do so.

• It has been agreed however that a Club Class pilot may not win the Club Class Series Trophy two years in succession. 
   
• If a Club Class entrant feels ready to move up a class mid-series, they may do so at no additional cost.  Series points from the Club Class will not count towards the new Class points.

Review of Club Class

We will review the future of Club Class in September 2023, alongside a wider consultation about the BOS. 

Newcomers Guide to Competition - TO FOLLOW

For newcomers to competition a separate guide about what to expect will be available soon.

BOS Championship Competition - Retrieve

There will be no organised retrieve, but entrants may opt-in to a Retrieve System. 

BOS Retrieve System

The retrieve system will be an adaptation of the pyramid retrieve system used elsewhere.  A review has been undertaken following GBAR and a BOS retrieve guide will follow. 

In the meantime the following information might be useful.

Pilot retrieve is a particular issue especially for pilots who are attending an event on their own, with no dedicated retrieve person.  To help these people we will run a "pyramid retrieve" system, whereby the first pilots back to base get the next ones to land, and so on until everyone is collected.  It will run using the system based on xcrt.aero and Telegram, already widely used in paragliding competitions and used successfully at the GBAR hang gliding tow event in 2022. Further details and a novice's guide will follow, but in the meantime pilots can see how it works by looking at the guide on https://flyaszent.com/xc-retrieve/ and testing it by joining the Telegram group XCR Test Group (New).

BOS Championship Competition - Tasks: 

• Tasks for Class 1 and Class 5
  Will run in parallel, as in previous years.  While there may be small differences to aspects of the tasks for each Class, normally all pilots in the BOS Championship Competitions will fly the same task, with Class 1 and Class 5 being scored separately.
  Race to Goal tasks with a number of waypoints will normally be set to provide a challenging platform for experienced pilots to compete directly against others, on the same task, on the same day, in the same conditions.
  Depending on the conditions, the Meet Director may set goal tasks as an elapsed time race or a race with one or more start gates.  A ‘Race to Anywhere’ task may also be set if conditions dictate.

• Tasks for Club Class
  Where this will provide the best experiences for Club Class entrants, the same, or similar tasks will run as for the above classes, with larger turnpoints and shorter goals
   
• Task Decisions
  Tasks will be set by the Meet Director in consultation with a Task and/or Safety Committee. 
  In the event of Club Class potentially being better served by doing a different task, or going to a different site, such decisions will be made in collaboration with Club Class entrants.

BOS Rounds

Each BOS round is scored as a separate competition using the scoring principles set out below. The scores produced by the FSComp scoring software will count in full for each round.

BOS round task scores that count towards the BOS Championship will be: 

• Scaled down to 500 points for Classes 1 and 5 
• Normalised to 500 points for Club Class

Further details below.

Championship Scoring:

• All scoring is carried out using the current FSComp software.
• Pilots are responsible for providing a valid tracklog for each flight. 
• Your GPS with 3D recording is preferred, preferably with Barometric altitude.
  It is possible to use a smart phone for the track log recording and also for navigation. Many phones also have barometric pressure sensors
• Where the pilot has multiple recordings we will attempt to award the best score available from the recordings. This may include more than one partial recording
• We are happy to receive valid tracklogs via email. 
• The quicker you get your GPS back to the scoring room, the quicker we can get some scores generated. 
• We aim to get scores published by 10pm 
• Scoring parameters used in the FSComp software: these are fixed and to be used throughout the Series.
• The BOS Championship will be determined by the best scoring tasks (up to a maximum of 6) for each pilot across all scoring events during the BOS Series.
• All Class 1 and Class 5 scores that count towards the BOS Championship will be scaled down to 500 points. This means that if the winner of a particular task scores more than 500 points in that task, all scores for that task will be proportionally scaled back to the extent necessary to give the task winner exactly 500 points for the task. For example, if the task winner scores the maximum 1,000 points for the task, then for the purpose of the BOS Championship (but not the individual competition), all scores will be halved. The task winner will score 500 points towards the BOS Championship and everyone else will score half of the full value of that task. 
• In Club Class, to take account of the increased flexibility in the types of tasks possible, any scores that count towards the BOS Championship will be normalised to 500 points. This means tasks will be scaled UP or DOWN to 500 points.

See next section for information about the possible inclusion of some GBAR points.

Rules

Rules set out in the HG Competitions Panel Constitution and local rules published in advance of a BOS event will apply.  Otherwise, the Meet Director will follow the principles set out in the FAI sporting code but has the discretion to deviate from these as appropriate.

https://www.fai.org/civl-documents - under the 8th item (Sporting Code - other rules etc.)

Misconduct

Misconduct by pilots and their supporters will be dealt with by the Meet Director and/or Hang Gliding Competitions Panel in accordance with the FAI Sporting Code Section 7, Chapter 13.  

Paragraph 13.2 lists examples of misconduct, including "Bringing the sport, CIVL or the FAI into disrepute".  For the avoidance of doubt, this is considered to include road rallying, inconsiderate or dangerous parking, and unauthorised vehicle access onto private land.  This list is not exhaustive and is subject to the discretion of the Meet Director and/or Hang Gliding Competitions Panel.

Penalties

Penalties will be proportionate and applied in line with guidance in the FAI Sporting Code General Section Chapter 6, paragraph 6.1.3, which allows for penalties up to and including disqualification. This could be disqualification from a task, a day, a round or the series.

Concerns

If anyone involved is unhappy about any aspect of the BOS Event (apart from scoring issues), they should raise this with the Meet Director in the first instance, or another HG Comps Panel Member in attendance, as soon as possible.  https://hgcomps.uk/panel-members

A formal protest may be lodged if necessary.

Scoring 

Deadlines: 

• If the provisional results are published before 10 pm, concerns must be submitted before 8:30 am the next day.
• If the provisional results are published after 10 pm, concerns must be submitted before 12 noon the next day.
• The time of the publication of results is the time the results are posted on the official Telegram Group unless notified otherwise.
• Final day deadline for raising a concern about the scores will be 1 hour after publication of results.
• If a scoring concern is raised, it will be reviewed by the Scorer and a decision made.  
• Should the pilot be unhappy with the Scorer’s decision a formal protest may be lodged

Protests

• Protests may be lodged with respect to scoring or other issues related to any aspect of the competition.
• Protests will be reviewed by the Meet Director who may involve others not affected by the outcome.  
• The Protest fee is £10 (which will be returned if a protest is upheld).

WHAT TO EXPECT - A NEWCOMER GUIDE TO COMPETITION

This information may be of particular interest to anyone new to competition flying or who has been away from UK competitions for some time. If you still have questions about any aspect of the competitions after reading this guide, please feel free to email us on hgcompspanel@gmail.com or post a question on the Telegram Chat group referred to below.

Why enter a BOS competition

Flying in competition allows you to challenge and expand your flying experiences in one of the most supportive and welcoming environments you will find. 

What is involved and what happens next? 

This brief guide covers what to expect during the first few days at your first competition.

What to do in advance of a competition

Find out about the Base:

The Base is normally in or near a Caravan Site.  Information on the Base for each round is published on the HG Comps Website. 
Find out about the Sites: Read the site guides for the clubs surrounding the area where you are going.  You will find links to the relevant clubs on the BOS tab on the  HG Comps Website

Join the BOS Telegram Chats:

If you do not use Telegram then you need to download Telegram first.  BOS Official, BOS Scurrilous (others may be added)
If you know another pilot who is on the group, ask them to invite you, otherwise email us on hgcompspanel@gmail.com

Mobile Phones & Trackers: 

For Android users, install Richard Hunt’s Tracker application. 
Tracker will:

• automatically send your location by text to up to two of your contacts, at a time interval of your choice, which will relieve the stress from your retrieve and get you back to base quicker;
• record an IGC tracklog which can act as a backup in case your main GPS tracker fails;
• connect to Livetrack24 and other online services so that your friends can follow your progress on the Internet in real time (e.g. on https://xcrt.aero).

Download Richard Hunt’s Tracker from here
https://www.mycloudbase.com/tracker/download.htm.  

• Follow the instructions on the website carefully, in particular the instructions at https://www.mycloudbase.com/tracker/readme.htm for preventing your phone’s battery management tools from switching Tracker off when you don’t want it to!
• Once you press start Tracker will send messages as soon as it has reception - that may be once you take off and climb.  So even if you don't have reception on launch, press START anyway.
• If you choose to use auto-stop,  remember to restart after top-land, or if you move more than the set [200m] distance away from where you started Tracker.
  • You are recommended to test your tracker in advance of a competition, e.g. travelling to work.

For iphones users: FlySkyHy is what is generally pointed to for iPhone
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flyskyhy/id516879039

Check Mobile phone coverage:

The different operators, coverage varies greatly between venues.  A cheap pre-pay phone on a different network is useful as a backup.  Please use a mobile phone coverage checker or ask for information on the Telegram Chat.

Upload Waypoints to your GPS:

Waypoint files for the competitions will be posted on the HG Comps Website no later than one week before.  Upload the waypoint files if you know how to do so, or can get someone to help you.  If you need help with this please email us on hgcompspanel@gmail.com and we will help make arrangements for support.

Entering Coordinates into GPS:

Occasionally you may also need to enter coordinates into your GPS.  If you do so, then this will be in "decimal minutes" format (DDD.MM.MMM), so set your instrument accordingly and try from the comfort of your sofa.  Again you can ask for support with this at the time.

Controlled airspace:

An openair format file for controlled airspace will be available for download from  this section of HG Comps website no later than one week before. You are recommended to use an instrument that can display airspace and provide warnings. The responsibility for remaining legal remains with the pilot. Feel free to carry an up to date paper map also.

We may also provide additional updates for NOTAMS and such during the competition.

Register in advance: 

Procedures for registration will be posted on the HG Comps Website. If you register before the date set for registration you will pay less.  Surcharges apply after this date and for individual round entries. 

Car sharing:

Use the BOS scurrilous Telegram chat to liaise with other pilots participating in the same event as you about options for car sharing. 

On arrival

Try to arrive in good time, the afternoon before if possible. This will give you an opportunity to set up camp, meet people, and gently settle into an initially alien world at ease.  Competitions are all about being organised and minimising the stress of last minute panics.

In the evening:

You are advised to check with someone that your GPS and your Tracker is set up correctly.  There will be experienced pilots on the campsite who can help with this but please try to  make arrangements in advance through the Telegram Chat.

If you have arranged to car share, try to meet up with others in your group. Meet up early with the rest of your group to decide which cars will be going up the hill, and then load it up with (say) three gliders.  If this cannot be done the evening before then meet early the next morning. 
This needs to be done before the briefing as everything happens very quickly afterwards.  

Registration

You will have registered for the event on-line in advance.  This will normally be followed up  at the first morning briefing: usually 9.00am, where:

• You will be marked as present (if you arrive late, you must register with Meet Director before flying)
• BHPA membership will be checked if necessary (e.g. expiry was due after online registration). Note that BHPA provide an online membership card so you can show your membership on your phone.
• Important telephone numbers will be shared
• Access to the Telegram Groups will be confirmed.
• Information about how to get involved in social events may be shared though this is more likely to happen on Telegram group.
• It is important to check that you do in fact have ALL the waypoints required.  On some instruments you will need to delete all the existing ones first to make space and if you have neglected to do so may have less than you think.
• If you have not yet made arrangements for car sharing, make this known now so that the number of vehicles going to the hill can be reduced as far as possible.

On the first day

Briefing is usually 9.00am for 15 - 30 minutes (depending on weather and site).  This will be at the campsite or other nominated meeting point nearby.  Time and location will be announced on the BOS Official Telegram group the evening before. 
The briefing will normally include: 

• a weather briefing, 
• NOTAM briefing, 
• which site we are heading to
• anything else organisational that cannot be done on Telegram
• In the case of bad weather: talks may also be arranged and alternative tourist suggestions made.

Subsequent briefings may take place in an alternative venue or on a hill.  Where this is the case, the decision may be notified on BOS Official Telegram the evening before.

• At the end of briefing, everybody will then disappear quite quickly into their transport and drive to the hill - so it is helpful to know where this is and where you are going from somebody in advance.
• The first day is usually more shambolic than described, you will fall into routine quite easily after that.
• As the Meet Director may provide additional information or decisions using the BOS Official Telegram, it is important to check this regularly during the competition.

On the hill

You will probably find pilots already there ahead of you who will be assessing conditions.  Rig once other people start rigging.

Once everybody is rigged there will then be a site and task briefing, followed by another brief lull while the clock ticks down until launch opens - normally indicated by a blast of the Meet Director’s horn.  

If using Tracker: 

Press START in advance (with activation distance of say 200m) and then stow it in your harness and forget it until you land. 

If using auto-stop,  remember to restart after top-land, or if you move more than the set [200m] distance away from where you started Tracker.

You can, and should, then launch to get established early in the air.  

On Task

The gliders will stay above the hill until the time of the "start gate", only then are you permitted to fly away from the hill.  Leave early and you will get zero points. 

Gliders will try to form into gaggles before then, somewhat ironically competitions are much more about cooperation and collaboration.  The task itself is kept straightforward for the Club Class and you will have been briefed separately on the hill if flying in Club Class.

On landing

Stop Tracker: If you are using Tracker, remember to press STOP. This will automatically send your location to your named contact(s) in Tracker.

Send Landed Safe Message: Text the Land Safe number

Send your landing location:  To BOS Scurrilous Telegram. 

• Send your location by “dropped pin” in Android or Apple maps.  If you don’t know how to do this, ask someone before you fly.  Make sure your retrieve knows how to get directions to a dropped pin.
• Update it if you subsequently move, for example if you carry your glider to the roadside. 
• When your glider is safe to leave, if you are in sight of a gateway near the road, it can be useful to place your harness at the roadside so that anyone driving past can see that there is a pilot in the field.  This is particularly helpful on remote country roads.
• Send your location by “dropped pin” in Android or Apple maps.  If you don’t know how to do this, ask someone before you fly.  Make sure your retrieve knows how to get directions to a dropped pin.

Pyramid Retrieve: If you have opted in to the Pyramid Retrieve system, follow agreed instructions for this.  There will be additional Telegram group for tthe Pyramid Retrieve.

After being picked up

Ideally, you should email your igc file to the scorer as soon as possible.  You must also check that the scorer receives this.

Unless you have confirmation that the scorer has received your file and that it looks ok, you must go directly back to the Base and find the scorer.  Check BOS Official Telegram for scorer location.

You must ensure that your igc file is in before going for food or drink.  The reason for this is that your flight will affect all scores and not just your own. 

If you are unsure about how to download your igc file, take your GPS to the scorer who will help you download and check your track.

Go for beer, chat, chill out, charge instruments, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Useful links for sharing locations

• Richard Hunt’s Tracker for Android - http://www.mycloudbase.com/tracker (more info above)
• For iphone users - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flyskyhy/id516879039
• XCRT (retrieve assistance): XCRT.aero
• https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app
• flyaszent.com/xc-retrieve: Full information and instructions on how to use XCRT

Here I Am 2 - https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid=com.codesector.hereiam&hl=en

BOS 2023 will not be an FAI Category 2 event.  The Panel made this decision at a meeting on 21/2/2023.  The reasons are explained in the following document.

2023 CAT2 decision - reasoning

Trophies and Prizes

BOS Trophies and Prizes: British Open Series competitions will have prizes in Class 1, Class 5 and Club Class, where there are a minimum of two competitors. There are smaller prizes for each class in each Round, as well as end-of-series trophies. There will also be day prizes, not just for task winners but for other good performances or notable achievements. 

For the series overall, prizes will be awarded based  on each eligible pilot’s 6 highest scoring tasks (including a proportion of GBAR scores if appropriate), scaled down to a maximum of 500 points each, from all scoring days in the Series. 

New for 2023 - There will be a trophy for the highest scoring pilot flying a king-posted flexwing in Club Class 

Perpetual Trophies

The following additional trophies are awarded annually based on BOS results:

• British Open Trophy - Winner of British Open Series Open Competition - usually held during the first BOS round
• Jim Taggart Trophy - British Open Series: Class 1 Winner
• Andy Hollidge Trophy - British Open Series: Class 5 Winner
• BOS Club Class Trophy - British Open Series: Club Class Winner
• Keith Cockcroft Trophy - Best Newcomer in British Open Series 
  The Best Newcomer will normally be defined as the highest scoring pilot who has not entered the BOS Championship Competition before.  In the event that this does not apply, the Panel will make a decision, which could include pilots returning after a long break from competition, or pilots who first entered the competition in the previous two (or three) years.

Perpetual Hang Gliding Trophies not related to BOS

• Alvin Russell Trophy - British National Champion (note: this is a separate competition, not the BOS.)
• Johnny Carr Trophy - Class 5 Winner in British Nationals
• Percy Moss Trophy - Female winner in British Nationals
• Presidents Trophy - Normally longest straight line flight if beating previous year’s winning distance
• UKNXCL Pilot Trophy - UKNXCL: Class 1 winner (Main Table)
• UKNXCL Club Trophy - UKNXCL: Winner of Club Table
• UKNXCL Ralph Bygott Trophy - UKNXCL: Winner of Defined Table
• Dave Loxley Trophy - Longest straight line distance from a winch

BOS CHALLENGE WEEKENDS

The BOS Challenge Weekends are new for 2023 and will run alongside the British Open Series (BOS) Competitions, on the Saturday and Sunday only.  While the Challenge Weekends target Club Pilots, higher rated pilots who are not interested in competition are also welcome to participate.  We hope to be able to provide Coach Support for Club Pilots with more than 10 hours airtime and other pilots with a lack of currency who would like support.  

When?

• BOS 1: Base - Yorkshire Dales - Streethead Caravan Site 
                 Competition Dates: Sat 10 June to Wed 14 June
                 Challenge  Weekend: Sat 10 and Sun 11 June
• BOS 2 - Base - Wales - Fforest Fields Caravan Site
                 Competition Dates: Sat 1 July to Wed 5 July
                 Challenge Weekend: Sat 1 and Sunday 2 July

What to expect at a BOS Challenge Weekend?

• Enjoy flying for fun with others
• Benefit from coordinated transport between take off and bottom landing.
• Participate in personal challenges to improve flying skills in a supportive environment
• Learn by listening to, watching and/or flying with more experienced pilots
• Fly different sites
• Make contacts with pilots from different areas of the country
• Learn more about the use of instruments for navigation and competition
• Join any talks or development session organised on non-flying days.
• Enjoy the social side of events with the friendly and supportive hang gliding community
• Enjoy discounted rates at the competition campsites not only for the challenge days but also for the remaining week.
• Purchase BOS mementos e.g. T-shirts at a discounted price 

Who can participate and how much does it cost?

BOS Challenge and End of Season Fly-in

Open to BHPA members who hold a rating as follows:

• Pilot rating or above with currency in last 2 years
  Cost per event - £10 entry fee to each event to contribute toward site costs etc.
• Club Pilot +10 hours and low-air time/low-currency pilots wanting support.  Early application is recommended as places may have to be limited depending on the number of volunteer coaches available. Log Book required. 
  The coach(es) providing support may decide that conditions or site are not suitable for your experience or currency level. All participants are expected to accept the advice of coaches.
  Cost per event - £35 entry fee to each event to contribute toward coach expenses and transport between Take Off and Landing.
• Club Pilot less than 10 hours are welcome to attend, but to fly they may need to be supported by someone who knows them well. Log Book required if hoping to fly.  ​Please be aware, the coach on site may decide that conditions or site are not suitable for your experience or level of currency. All participants are expected to accept the advice of coaches.
  Cost - Nil  (If attending with own supporter, please contribute toward their expenses)

Requirements for Entry to BOS Challenge:

• All Entrants: BHPA Membership card or digital membership
• Club Pilots or others wanting support:  Log Book or other evidence of experience.  

BOS Challenge - Social Events

Saturday Evening - Campsite Get-together

• What to expect: An informal social gathering at the campsite is planned for the Saturday evening of each BOS Challenge.  This is a good opportunity to meet new pilots and other campers.  
  This will probably be based around a fire pit with some beers and music.  Depending on numbers, some food may be organised with the cost being shared between those opting in.
• Music:  Arrangements will be made for music to be played on a speaker, so bring a playlist if you want. 
  Live music would be great! There are a number of musicians amongst you. If you are one, please bring along an instrument if you can and join other musicians for a bit of fun.  Music will finish by 10pm as we need to be quiet in the campsites after that time.
• Bad Weather Alternative: In the event of weather making a campsite based event difficult, a local pub may be chosen as an alternative.

If staying longer than the weekend:

Tuesday Evening - BOS Meal: BOS Challenge entrants who wish to stay longer than the weekend, are welcome to join the BOS Meal at a subsidised rate.

BOS - END OF SEASON FLY-IN

This event information has been updated and updated details can be found here:
BOS FLY-IN-ROUND 3 - UPDATE 5 AUGUST

The End of Season Fly-in is an opportunity for pilots to get together to enjoy some flying at the end of the season. The Fly-in  is open to all.  

We hope that some Club Coaches will volunteer to support any Club Pilots who wish to attend.

While it is a non-competitive Fly-in, there is no reason why those keen on competition don't organise a competitive task for those who want to join in.  There could also be scoring for interest and practice.

When?

• End of Season Fly-in: Base - Yorkshire Dales - Streethead Caravan Site 
  Fly-in Dates:  Sat 9 to Mon 11 September

In the event of additional scoring days being required for the BOS Championship, the Saturday and Sunday of this event will be used as additional competition days.  The Monday will not normally be used for an additional scoring day to avoid it being disadvantageous to pilots who cannot stay longer. 

Social Events

We plan to book the Street Head Inn for a meal the evening of Sunday 10 September at a subsidised cost for entrants and supporters.  Depending on the weather we may organise an informal get together at the caravan site on the Saturday evening.

Cost of the Fly-in is as detailed below:

• £10 for Pilot rated entrants who are current in last two years or
• £35 for Club Pilots who are not accompanied by someone who can take responsibility for them.

BOS End of Season Fly-in with Additional Scoring Days
If Additional Scoring Days are required this will increase costs for competitors.  The decision on the entry fee for the additional competition days will be decided after BOS 2. The final cost to competitors will depend on the remaining budget and the anticipated costs, however the entry fee for the Additional Scoring Days are expected to be no more than:

• £40 - for pilots who have entered at least one BOS Round during 2023
• £70 - for pilots who have have not previously entered a BOS during 2023

In the event of additional scoring days being required, information about how to enter will be advised as soon as possible after BOS 2.

BOS SITES - ROUND 1 - YORKSHIRE

BOS SITES - ROUND 2 - WALES

SITES FOR BOS FLY-IN/ROUND 3 - YORKSHIRE DALES

Airspace and Waypoints files have been uploaded to the EMS system and can be found here: https://civlcomps.org/event/british-open-series-round-1

Please read Airspace Read Me file!

Links to same files also available 

BOS23 AIRSPACE FOLDER

BOS 1 - DALES WAYPOINTS FOLDER

Airspace and Waypoints files have been uploaded to the EMS system and can be found here: https://civlcomps.org/event/british-open-series-round-2

Please read Airspace Read Me file!

Links to same files also available here:

BOS23 AIRSPACE FOLDER

BOS 2 - WALES WAYPOINTS FOLDER