SAFA Skysailor Magazine

17 May | June 2022 SKY SAILOR banter, chatter, and laughter was thick on the increasing breeze – that pleased us, as it pushed our smiling mouths wider with each gust,” Cath- erine explained.  The wind began lightly in the morning, but later in the day there were spectacular flights experienced, with pilots ‘disappearing’ up the coastline. “At one point, the officials at the target landing zone were on the radio to the launch team asking when pilots were going to make their second attempt. The response was, ‘They’re too busy having fun flying’, which was fabulous to see.” The landing zone was filled with hooting, hollering and raucous shouts from people cheering from the ground and ecstatic, and sometimes frustrated, pilots as they made their way towards the goal. The marshals had a very busy day of mea- suring, recording, encouraging, and keeping track of over 50 pilots as they made their two attempts at target and gold medal glory. One highlight was when tandem pilot, Danny, managed to land his passenger right on the green target! And, although he missed out on a prize, the delight on the face of the young passenger was truly priceless. The Fly Stanwell Club generously donated and facilitated a free BBQ and drinks for the pilots to enjoy throughout the day. The winners of each category were: Drew Abernathy, Ed Burnett, Terry Bruce, Ben Compton and Tom McDonald  Thank you to the commercial sponsors from our flying community who supported and sponsored the event with prizes includingL Adventure Plus Paragliding, Bushcraft Equip- ment, Fly Manilla, Fly Stanwell Club, Hollywood Paragliding, SAFA, Sky Out Paragliding, Sky Surf Paragliding and Sky Sport Sydney. Opposite page: Launch later in the day Above: Scenes from launch and landing zone during the event Right: Happy young tandem passenger hits the spot Photos: Catherine McMillan