SAFA Skysailor Magazine

17 WINTER 2026 | June-July-August SKY SAILOR Day 2: The party gaggle Saturday’s task stretched to 40km with one turnpoint, designed to help pilots practice navigation and round their first turnpoints. Conditions began light and stable. For nearly 45 minutes most pilots struggled to climb above 3000ft. Yet instead of frustration, something special happened: Above the Forbes airfield a giant ‘party gaggle’ formed as pilots circled together in weak thermals, drifting slowly across the sky while sharing climbs and encouragement over the radio. Cooperative flying at its best. Eventually, Jimmy and Jonas led the pack out of the start, with the group slowly working their way toward the turnpoint. After rounding it, the drama began. Jonny Durand pushed out in front low, with Jakota and Chris Sutton right behind. Within minutes the trio found themselves scratching for lift below 500ft. Mike Bass, just aerotow rated, and in goal Guy Hubbard Bri’s triple PB: distance 35km, height 7600ft, time 2 hours The goal of the Floater Festival isn’t just competition – it’s helping pilots discover how far they can really fly