New Zealand Gliding Grand Prix

New Zealand Gliding Grand Prix Jan 27 -29
Omarama
McKenzie Country
South Island

This was a first for NZ and a World first in using state of the art technology in an endeavour to bring the excitement of competitive gliding not only to on site spectators, but into the living rooms of the population at large. See: http://www.gp06.com/

Was it successful?

Well, I’m an ex glider pilot so maybe I’m biased but this was the most spellbinding and exciting event I’ve been to for a very long time. The format really does convey what competitive soaring is all about and for anyone who hasn’t had the experience first hand, I think you will be very surprised at the level of drama and the spectacular photography when you first see it.

Omarama is a long way from anywhere in NZ and NZ is where the big aircraft go to turn around so it perhaps wasn’t surprising that spectator attendance didn’t really meet expectations. But based on the folk I talked to on the field (including many elderly couples (about our age!) who have an aircraft in the family for their farming activities!) the next time will be very different.

And there will be a next time because the success of the event in Gliding circles has lead to New Zealand being awarded the first World Grand Prix which will be held in NZ's South Island in Dec 2007 See: http://www.fai.org/gliding/node/278

I rate this a ‘must see’ if you are able to make the journey.

And if you’re a Gliding enthusiast don’t miss:
http://www.gliding.co.nz