Date:	Wed, 22 Mar 1995 09:32:26 -1000
From:	Colin_Douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz (Colin Douthwaite)
Message-Id: <3kpu0a$6jv@southern.co.nz>
Organization: Southern InterNet Services
Subject: Canterbury Kite Festival - Day One

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A 2 knot southerly wind greeted fliers on the first morning of the
4th Annual Canterbury Kite Festival at Wigram Airforce Base in
Christchurch, New Zealand.

A number of international fliers who had attended the World Festival
in Napier the week before came on to Christchurch so there were
representatives from Canada, Australia, USA, Belgium, Holland and
Hong Kong in addition to NZ fliers. Registered fliers at the
festival totalled 80.

The flying area allocated was South of the main runway which runs in
a NE/SW direction and the Festival HQ was a large marquee aligned
NW/SE close to the perimeter track at the NE end of the flying area.

With this configuration and the Southerly wind, the single line
kites, allocated a semi-circle immediately in front of the marquee,
flew towards the marquee and provided a central static display for
the whole festival.

The single line display by the fliers from Holland, supported by
some Australian contributions by Bill Farber & John Murray, were
impressive on the first day which is traditionally the school
childrens' day to attend the festival. When they arrrived about
11-30am there were plenty of colourful kites for them to see.

There were of course contributions from Peter Lynn in the form of
two dolphins, one black and one green, and with the wind gusts they
"swam" very nicely for us and paddled their flippers as though they
were in water. A bright green Octopus was also added to the Black
Octopus contributed by Des Pitfield.

A huge cylindrical windsock highly decorated, including the words
"GREETINGS FROM HOLLAND", was an outstanding sight and there were
two or three trains of more than 100 small kites, alongside a train
of about 20 newspaper Texas No-Winds.

To these were added Rokkakus, beautiful butterfly kites, Yvonne de
Mille's winning creations including "Sea Spirit" ; "Just An Eight
Point Star", "The Wizard" and "Stained Glass Window".

For amusement there was a delightful Black & White Pregnant Cow with
bright red udders and dangling short little legs with black hooves
(giggle). The cow only seemed to appear on the first day. In
addition were two pairs of the familiar Martin Lester Legs and a
rather nice high flying Yakko Bee flown by Tony Sangster of Canberra.

The star of the festival on each of the three days was undoubtedly
the 69 year old Canadian flier, Ray Bethel, who flew three colourful
2-line stunters with long tails, simultaneously. The effect was that
of a three man team display. The kites were apparently attached to
his hips. The result was quite incredible. Apparently Ray Bethel
holds the world record for 12 hours continuous flying of three 2-
line kites by one flier. Ray held a permanent spot at the Northern
front of the flying area throughout the three days of the festival
and he flew for long spells during the three days.

Two Dutch fliers were skillfully flying very large Rokkakus, which
had multi-bridle lines, with great control and were dancing the
kites on the top of the marquee.

Almost all the Rokkakus that appeared seemed very well tuned and
flew almost horizontally rather than vertically - I never found out
the secret although I got one or two ideas from a Belgian flier.

The wind increased during the day from about 2 to 8 knots so
there was some opportunity to fly stunters after lunch.
Andy Preston's "Stranger" was really impressive in the low 2 knot
winds. I didn't get to fly it but I plan to buy one as soon as I
have the money.

About 3-30pm there was a windshift from S to NE with some gusting.
The Peter Lynn Green Dolphin broke loose and swept across the
perimeter track, crossed a low barbed wire fence and had a whole
section ripped out and was badly damaged. On Saturday Peter Lynn,
Elwyn Lynn and the entire Lynn contingent arrived and with a sewing
table and machine installed in the marquee they were able to repair
the Green Dolphin.

                   TO BE CONTINUED......  :-)

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