2012 Flight Nationals

The 2012 US Flight Nationals flew by without a foot bow entry from me, but fortunately my good friend, James Sanchez, came ready.  James jumped into the arms race with his version of the unlimited foot bow that Harry Drake used to set the standing record of well over 2000 yards in 1971.  James designed the bow to accept the George Alevekiu limbs that I had.  It was strung up for the first time at the September Flight Nationals and looked stunning.

James Sanchez, 2012 with Unlimited Footbow

I built a robust Astroflight string with minimal serving and heavily padded loops.  The breaking strength of such a string exceeded 2000 pounds.  Everything fell into place except for one detail that was not in anyone's control: the weather.  Steady barrages of rain turned the flats into a giant salt lake which interrupted our shoot as well as cancelled planned motorcycle speed runs planned nearby.  By Sunday, some but not all of the water drained away.  It was too much investment in time and energy to just pack up and drive away. James decided to risk a shot.  The 50 year old bow limbs performed beautifully.  It was as if they had just come off the forms this year!  To my surprise, the first shot busted the string but cleanly blasted the arrow off into space. We were out of time to make another string and attempt any further shooting.  There was two lengthy searches for the arrow but it was never found.  The leading theory is that the ground was still too soft from the rains and the arrow simply buried itself deep below the surface.  But how far did it go?  A mile?  More?  Unfortunately, the year has passed and must patiently wait for drier weather in 2013.

James has created a Facebook page with additional photos.  See: http://www.facebook.com/flight.archer.9