The retract's issue. I have been thinking of joining SPA. I have a Phoenix 6 to complete, and just acquired a Phoenix 8. It looks like we can still buy these old birds in kit form.
Checked out the SPA site, and reading the rules, "No retracts". What is this? We used retracts many years ago, allowed to use them in the lower classes also.

The cost factor? That does not make any sense. I live in south Florida. Going to a contest in TN, GA, and other states means one thing. I have to put fuel in my vehicle. I do not mind spending whatever it takes to get there. There will also be at least 2 nights in a motel, food and refreshments. It also takes me almost 5 hours just to get out of Florida.

A 1200 mile RT for me at 20 mpg, equates to over 60 gallon's of fuel for the buggy, X $3 gallon: Figure $200. Two nights in hotel: $150 ? Food, etc., for total trip: $80 ?
Now that is approaching $500.00 in expenses just to go to one contest., should get in 3 rounds on Saturday, 3 rounds on Sunday?

OK. I do not mind that at all. Part of the game. So, if we spend that kind of dough, who in the heck is going to worry about a set of $170 retracts being a cost factor? If I am going to put all up to date gear in my 35 year old pattern design, I want to fly it as I build it. Non retracts at the contest, sounds like a fun fly to me.

Vince
Hobe Sound, FL