Committee Statement

The committee of the National Flying Club would like to publish the following statement regarding the YB/OH National races on 7th September. This message is also published on our Facebook page.

In the absence of the usual Race Controller and Chairman, the function of Race Controller was delegated to a couple of committee members, one from the North and one the South. These two members of the committee were assisted by our regular weather advisor. Please note that one of these committee members also travelled with the convoy as we are presently working on a number of improvements to the way we transport the pigeons in future seasons.

The weather radar showed that conditions locally to Falaise would allow for a liberation prior to 9.30am and a safe route out to sea and back to the UK. Overnight forecasts on Friday showed clear weather in the UK, especially to the west side until mid-afternoon. There was an understandable focus on the weather in France and the channel, which was accurate as per forecast, however the anticipated clear UK weather did not materialise and we believe many of the pigeons encountered poor weather in Southern England. Many organisations liberating in the south also experienced poor weather.

Regrettably the race did not unfold in the way that was anticipated and this will be further reviewed by the full committee and a report will be published.

The individuals involved in making this decision are committed fanciers themselves and made the decision with live data for France and the channel and a forecast for the UK up to Lancashire and Yorkshire. However the outcome of the race fell below the standards that the club aims to provide its members and we sincerely apologise for that.

NFC Committee