[1][2] The Nimbus series was designed as an attempt to combine a high aspect ratio wing with a thin airfoil section to produce a fast cross country sailplane.
[1][2][4] The original Nimbus's fuselage was severely damaged at the May 1954 NCSA Soaring Meet during a cross country flight and as a result the Nimbus II was rushed to completion to be ready for the US National Soaring Contest in 1954 at Lake Elsinore, California.
He was forced to withdraw from the contest after the 5th day when he let go of the controls in flight and the glider pitched up steeply.
After landing it was discovered that the elevator attach bracket was bent and they were unable to repair it at the contest.
Sawyer went on to fly the Nimbus II on a 230-mile flight at a 1955 glider meet in Lincoln, California.