While we don’t know how much it costs to get a sailplane to New Zealand, the winner of a next week’s Community Trust Gliding Grand Prix should hopefully cover expenses with the $10,000 NZD in prize money. According to event organizers, it’ll be the biggest prize ever handed out in the sport, which will see the 11 pilots from nine countries covering a variety of courses over nine days of racing. The winner is also guaranteed a spot in next year’s competition. Glider- and helicopter-mounted cameras along with state-of-the-art 3D animated graphics will bring the aerial action to the audience. The event takes place at Omarama from Jan. 21 to Jan. 29. Meanwhile, U.S. soaring pilots are getting ready for their big meeting. The Soaring Society of America will hold its annual convention Feb. 2 to Feb. 4 in Arlington, Texas. Keynote speaker is retired astronaut and current soaring pilot Bill Anders. There’s also a trade show.
Richest Purse For Sailplane Race
Key Takeaways:
- The Community Trust Gliding Grand Prix in Omarama, New Zealand (Jan. 21-29) will offer the sport's largest prize of $10,000 NZD to 11 international pilots, along with a guaranteed spot in next year's competition, and will be broadcast with advanced camera and 3D graphics.
- The Soaring Society of America (SSA) will hold its annual convention in Arlington, Texas (Feb. 2-4), featuring retired astronaut and soaring pilot Bill Anders as the keynote speaker and including a trade show.
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