SAFA Skysailor Magazine

11 November | December 2024 SKY SAILOR 2024-2025 PWC Calendar PWCA Asian Tour Bir – India 2-9 November 2024 14th PWC Superfinal Roldanillo – Colombia 4-15 February 2025 Spain , Algodonales 10-17 May 2025 China , Linzhou 7-14 June 2025 Italy , Feltre – 40th Guarnieri International Trophy 28 June - 5 July 2025 Macedonia , Krushevo 19-26 July 2025 Turkey , Aksaray 16-23 August 2025 A meteorological phenomenon called ‘virga’, also known as a dry storm, was a new experience for the Aussie pilots. Virga is trails of precipitation of ice or rain on the underside of a cloud which evaporates in dry warm air before it can reach the ground. There were mild temperatures throughout the competition and given the high altitudes, carrying oxygen and wearing thick gloves were highly recommended. According to Mathew, cloudbase was usually between 4000 to over 5000m, with an airspace ceiling of 5390m for the duration of the comp, making it particularly cold at the top of the lift. “Compared to Australia, flying was a lot higher. The main take off at Monroe Peak was 3400m and is 50% higher than Mount Kosciuszko,” Mathew explained. “The secondary take-off at the Cove flying site was at 2650m, with the landing zone in Monroe at 1650m. Monroe has a very friendly, supportive flying club and community. The comp itself was possi- ble only due to the work of a large group of volunteers.” This was the first PWC event held in the United States since 2012 and the Monroe site features six world-class launches and another two nearby, with Monroe Peak the main launch at an altitude of over 11,000ft. For more details and results visit pwca.events/ paragliding-world-cup-usa-monroe-2024-2