Ignition was quick, almost no hesitation lighting the motor.

Very minimal time lapse between ignition and lift off.

The rocket accelerated quickly, plenty of speed at launch rod exit (27.2 mph per sim)

Winds were less than 5 mph and from the north. The rocket did not weathercock.

It flew straight and true being pushed slightly toward the south from the wind.

Staging went according to plan. The booster tumble recovered and landed about 20 feet north west of the launch horse. The fact that it tumbled into the wind shows that the holes in the ring fin did their job and allowed the booster to spin due to Magnus Effect.

The simulation software estimated apogee @ 894 feet, and the launch seemed to reflect that (no altimeter was used).

When the motor ejection occurred the nose cone and chute separated from the fuselage. Arrgh

The fuselage tumble recovered in a horizontal orientation, spinning along it's longitudinal axis. The rocket has 2 white fins and 1 black fin. The sun reflected off the fins and it was like a strobe light, making it easy to follow its decent.

The rocket ground hit significantly south of the launch horse, in waste high grass.

Photo's were taken of the rocket and of the nose cone/parachute assembly at their ground hit locations.

Upon further review the rocket was undamaged. It's unclear as to why the Kevlar chord came off the sustainer motor.  The most likely reason is the Kevlar was pulled off when the booster separated from the sustainer motor.

What was learned from this flight?

What an awesome flight. The Magnus Effect booster was a hoot, and watching the fuselage tumble in a horizontal orientation was mesmerizing, as the sun lit up the fins with each revolution.

The tumble recovery may be a better option. It keeps the heavy nose cone away from the fuselage and eliminates any possibility of zippering. Perhaps the Gods of Recovery know best.