Because everyone was concerned about the cloud moving in, there was no waiting to start. Everyone started within 10 minutes of each other at about 4000'. Thin cirrus had moved in by the time we had started. Turns and I were together which was helpful. By the time we reached the first turn point, everyone was together except for the two Brits who were the first to leave. The conditions had deteriorated and we were desperate to get height before rounding the first turn point because the second leg tracked over a large wet area. The best height we could get before rounding the turn was 2500' and we just had to go on. The Brits ahead were struggling low with 1 knot, so we were going to have to find some lift soon.
Soon we were all down to 1500' over a swampy forest. The gaggle split and searched. This was how a gaggle can be very effective. Someone found some lift about 2km away but in the opposite direction to where we were going -- so we all went backwards and climbed to the heady heights of over 3000'. It was hard work because every foot seemed to count and you had to stay in the core all the way to keep with the gaggle.
The first leg of 72km had taken us 50 minutes and the second leg over the swamp of 43km took us 52 minutes. On the second leg I was wondering if anyone was going to make it home. But the cloud seemed to stop coming in and once past the wet area the thermals improved. The last leg of 68 km took us 52 minutes. The gaggle had split after we turned the second turn point and a group beat us in by four minutes after getting a good climb over the power station, which we missed. Very soon after we all landed the cloud came in thickly.