SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 7 September | October 2019 F rom novice through to World Record holding pilots, the Canungra Classic offers a magical feeling of climbing to cloudbase over Beechmont, to racing tailwind over the back past the Border Ranges. This is definitely one of the best places in the country to become more skilled as a pilot. Canungra is a famous Australian free flying area of the Gold Coast region. There are several take-offs for all wind directions, located on 500m high tree- covered mountain ridges. The area is about 30km inland from the east coast of the continent so the sea-breeze can intervene in the afternoon and produce some very buoyant conditions. October is the perfect time of year to take to the skies there, offering warm, dry conditions, ideal for cross-country flying. Despite the Classic being a CAT 2 AAA event, the competition offers relaxed, yet challenging, flying. It is a great opportunity for novice pilots to learn new skills from their more veteran peers, while exploring new horizons by air. Competing pilot, Billy Miller-Macleod, said, “Whether you are new to XC or a veteran of the sport, hang glider pilots should come along and give the competition a go, even to support your sport, learn about XC while having a lot of fun. The surrounding area of Canungra, Beechmont and Tamborine Mountain offer some of the most beautiful, fulfilling and technically challenging flying in Australia. There’s little wonder why the area has been home to some of the country’s best cross-country pilots over the years. Having flown the area for many years myself, whether you are a beginner, initially trying to learn the art of cross-country competition flying, or a veteran wanting to fly with the best pilots, there’s something here for everyone.” The Canungra Classic is a great competition for pilots who want to qualify for points towards the Australian ladder. It’s also a great opportunity for pilots to fly with and learn from some of the world’s best. Novice pilots are given the opportunity to embrace the sport and introduced to the principles and strategies needed to compete. Registration is still open for pilots wanting to compete in the Canungra Classic. For more information on the event, visit [airtribune. com/canungra-cup-2019/info]. Pilots to fly high for Premier Hang Gliding Event Showcasing some of the most skilled hang glider pilots from across the globe, the Canungra Classic HG event will once again take centre stage in the Gold Coast Hinterland from 5 to 12 October 2019. Canungra Classic 2016 Photo: David Gibbs