Events

Sundays on Blackheath July/August/September 2020

Blackheath 20th September 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Della Porta: Nine Squares 1993
Photos by Marian Linford

A careful set-up in almost ideal conditions; just enough wind to launch the kite.

There was only one bridle 'loop through' to contend with!

Today’s video is here:- Della Porta: Nine Squares

The bridle lines through the comb are all clear. I am holding the kite only to prevent it launching prior to attaching the tails. All the bridle lines are fully loaded!

A neat launch but I had not actually moved into the exact centre of the wind window so the kite veered slightly to the one side.

Headed for a gentle landing in a lull in the wind.

Blackheath 13th September 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Triple Malay Stack 1988 and Double/Single Eddy Stack 1989
Photos by Marian Linford.

Video from today - 13th September 2020

Blackheath 6th September 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Edo Kite 1995
Photos by Marian Linford.

A great session on Blackheath today and Marian Linford's photos capture the moments really well.

Video from today - Edo 1995

Beautiful catenary of the bridle lines.

Blackheath 30th August 2020, Peter Malinski, Tetraeder 1989
Photos by Maggie Walker

Start of the build.

Once underway the orientation of the fittings can be cribbed from the previous units.

Started with the white signature sail today and switched to blue before the white ran out!

Tipped to one side to fit the 20th sail.

It will fly from here! Single bridle point only.

It seemed sensible to start with 20 sails to get a feel for the kite at this size.

Video from 30th August 2020

Blackheath 23rd August 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Della-Porta: Four Rhomboids 1993
Photos by Marian Linford

Video from 23rd August 2020

It is quite difficult to see how long the bridle line really are from these images! Today the kite was flown on 40m of 4mm braided polyester line which has considerable stretch under tension.

23rd August 2020, Note: The bridle ring is rusty and should be replaced soonest. The end caps need to be assessed as rust is breaking through the chrome. The upper sail connecting lines need attention/shortening maybe?

Hands on preparation for launch, all bridle lines taught...

Blackheath 9th August 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Delta 1987
Photos by Maggie Walker.

The spreader made of 19mm Fibreglass with brass sleeves proved to be a success 9th August 2020. We set the kite on the tip lines and I opted for one step up from the middle tow point for the line attachment.

I had selected c40 meters of 4mm braided polyester as the flying line and gradually released line as confidence increased. The spreader did not break and I was finally able to let the kite fly from the anchor point.

With the line attached one step up from the middle point today the kite proved to be manageable if the wind speed dropped away. A short pull of the line translated into a good upward deflection.

Blackheath video 9th August 2020

Blackheath 2nd August 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Asymetric Kite 1995
Photos by Marian Linford

A careful dis-assembly should prevent tangles next time...

Blackheath 26th July 2020, Jørgen Møller Hansen, Expansible Box Kite 1996
Photos by Maggie Walker

First trial with pilot kite.

Chris Beel providing help and advice.

The spacer bar connects to the pilot kite.

We had a few moments of fully powered flight where the structure flies at a high aspect. At that point the pilot kite would appear to be pulling the top of the box structure back into the power zone, not lifting vertically.