HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 35 November | December 2018 A t the start line was a global field of 27 pilots from the UK, Europe, North and South America, South Africa and the Middle East; split into a Race Division, those going for the win, and an Adventure Division for those taking things more ‘leisurely’. Alard dominated the race from early on, getting in front of weather systems that hampered other pilots, and finishing in just over three days. Whilst the weather proved kind to Alard, he faced more unique challenges during the race: “The scariest part was the morning when we worked on Basjan's motor, getting ready to take off, and two lions walked onto the road 50m away,…” To celebrate all 27 pilots safely crossing the finish line, the event organisers ‘The Adventurists’, co-ordinated a once in a lifetime flyby of Victoria Falls with the very kind permission of the Zimbabwe authorities who closed the air space to planes and helicopters for a short period. Eugene Cussons crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe World class climber Alard Hufner claims Icarus Trophy 2019 The Icarus Trophy is the world’s longest distance paramotor race and, after three hotly contested races in the US, this was the first time it took to the skies above southern Africa. by David Ferguson Alard Hufner celebrates at the finish line How to get involved: To join next year’s Icarus Trophy, simply contact the organisers via [www.icarustrophy.com] , and find the details on everything you need to know to get yourself off the ground and experienced enough to take part. Novice or expert, the organisers also run a series of shorter two-day races in the Icarus X Series, currently held over four continents, including in Australia, the US, South Africa and the UK. To watch some inspiring footage, follow the Icarus Trophy on youtube [https://youtu.be/ v5T1wB22D8c].