Finally got out on Blackheath today in bright windy conditions.  RSS Rev for a while getting a feel for the breeze which was often as little as c12mph but also sustained gusts probably well over 25mph.

I decided that although the conditions were a bit extreme I would try to fly the JMH Della Porta: 8 Rhomboids 1993.  Apart from anything else learning the set-up can only be achieved by doing it.

There was a moment of anxiety getting it out of the bag as the elements did not fall free, seeming to be inextricably tangled.  Fortunately appearances were deceptive and the ‘unfolding’ resolved the apparent tangle leaving the bridle lines free to the comb.  In windy conditions the windward ‘edge’ needs to be secured at all times.  I had set a ground anchor at almost right angles to the kite and the wind direction.  Once the spars were set the kite was held up on its edge allowing the bridle to be combed out completely.  The kite was then held flat on the ground with a ‘pin’ through the top centre join point while the tails were attached.

At this point I made a ‘mistake’ and as a result a spar was broken and no flight was possible.  In lifting and turning the sail in ‘high wind’ the bridle needs to be secured statically, that is, to a ground anchor.

Wrapping the kite was done with the ‘pin’ through the top centre; removing the horizontal spars first but leaving the centre of the top one in place until the verticals were split in two and the lower sails folded over.  The loose bridle lines were wound around the sails up to the comb and remaining plaited bridle lines.  The kite was put in the bag followed by the plaited bridle and finally the loose spars.

I’ll fix the broken spar during the week and maybe try again next Sunday, subject to the weather of course!

Felix