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HERMANUS
a preview from the Fresh Air Site Guide
Copyright © Greg Hamerton

GRADING : BASIC (Hang-gliders : A - no students)
GPS : +- S34º24.113' E18º14.576'
ALTITUDE : 235m asl, with airspace ceiling at 2300m.
DESCRIPTION : Soaring and thermic. A long ridge shaped like a breaking wave provides consistent flying conditions. Ridge-lift with a healthy sprinkling of thermals makes for some interesting flying. Hermanus is generally a relaxing place to fly, although sometimes
the thermals and wind-shears can be quite strong. In springtime you may see the whales in the bay. smooth glides out to sea interspersed with regular thermals, beach landings and elevator launches.
WIND : SSW - SE (SW only beyond mast, dodgy)
LAUNCH : Clearly defined area on the right of the scenic road, with windsocks and benches for spectators. Please confine your launch to the area demarcated by the yellow rocks (this private land forms part of Meerlust Estate). Or W of the radio tower, landing on the soccer field across the main road, but the air is usually very unpleasant in a SW.
LANDING : Out and to the right, on the left-most of the school fields, avoiding the cricket pitches (strip of hard grass in the centre of the field). The rugby fields closer to the ridge are okay, though beware of wind-shear as you approach the protected lower layers. An emergency landing field is slightly to the left below takeoff, a long, open plot between the houses. It's possible to slope-land at the base of the ridge, but be careful of the low powerlines. The field beside the graveyard is easy to negotiate. Topland behind the fence, behind the launch-site. Please do not land anywhere in front of the road, as this sensitive area is easily eroded and should have as little traffic as possible on it. landing at the school is often difficult.Topland or land on Grotto Beach.
 Hermanus launch site overlooking the bay
DIRECTIONS : refer to the Fresh Air Site Guide.
CAUTIONS : refer to the Fresh Air Site Guide.
RECORDS : 50kmE(Abraham Meyer), 25kmNto Caledon (Phil Bristow)
Hang-gliders : 100km route - Stanford to the E, Hawston toW, back to the launchsite.
CARETAKER : Glen, Meerlust Estate
PERMISSION : None needed
SOUTH AFRICA'S TOP FLYING SITES
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The Dam flying site near JohannesburgThe Dam Barberton flying siteBarberton De Aar record flying site in South AfricaDe Aar Map of flying sites in the Western CapeSite map
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