SAFA Skysailor Magazine

6 SKY SAILOR May | June 2022  “I think I can see the ocean!”, I said to Scotty and Grum, “Oh my God, I can’t believe it!” I never thought I would spend New Year’s Day 2022 team flying with two mates, thermalling to just under 4000m in a paraglider while looking at the Tasman Sea. It blows my mind that we are in a sport where there are still new things to be done. The goal Five years earlier, I had set a goal to fly from Bright to Omeo. Back then, I didn’t have the ‘know-how’ or the skills – was it just a pipe dream? I have only heard of four people suc- cessfully making the flight. It is seldom done for a few reasons. Firstly, it takes a committing line due south from Mt Feathertop, along the Razorback, to Mt Hotham, then south-east along the high plains before dropping down into Omeo. There are no landing options below the Razorback ridge so you need to be prepared to top land and walk out if you don’t find a thermal. Secondly, Bright is a two-hour drive from Omeo so getting back requires either pre-planning or very good luck hitching. Hitching isn’t guaranteed these days due to that feisty Rona, so having an understanding partner or good friend who enjoys driving is by far the best option. Finally, the right conditions might appear only a couple of times per season. All these factors make the 67km (as the crow flies) flight a rarity. The day before Rob, Scotty and I set out for an attempt on the last day of 2021. With a high base and light north winds, it was the perfect forecast. After completing the committing Razorback section Bright to Ocean Views by Richard Binstead