Race 2 of the Qualifiers: A Diverse Battle in the Skies of Kimberley

The second race of the qualifiers for the 1st FAI Virtual World Gliding Championship 2024 took to the skies of Kimberley, South Africa, in a spectacle that combined technology, skill, and the unforgiving laws of aerodynamics.

As the countdown echoed close to the airfield of Douglas Cape, pilots from around the globe got ready in their gliders for the start. With the tension palpable, the race commenced with a strategic dispersal of pilots across the start line, an unconventional but safe approach that ensured all wings remained unscathed. Indeed, there were a lot of pilots competing to the race, more than 140… and more than 65 on the main server! With such a high number of pilots starting the race at the same time, in a regatta start, everyone has to be well aware of its direct environments and focus to take a good and safe start.

The cloud ceiling was at around 4000m but the maximum start altitude well below that… at 2,400 meters. So obviously, the first thermal was a great deal for the pilots. France's Philippe Lata quickly leaded the pack after a good climb. As the virtual gliders ascended, the race evolved into a tactical battle against the elements. Some pilots, including the notable Jeroen Jennen (BEL), who impressed in the previous race, opted to ride the thermals early, while others pushed on in search of more advantageous uplifts.

Spectacular views over Kimberley's virtual terrain provided the backdrop for a race that was as much about strategy as it was about speed. Pilots navigated the south african savanah, showcasing their prowess by swiftly reaching the first turnpoint. Amidst the pack, some pilots faced a critical moment, flying dangerously low, risking it all for a good lift… and the viewers witnessed the first 'outlandings’!

The race was a dynamic showcase of virtual gliding's elite, with yesterday's podium finishers, including Donat-Pierre Luigi, fighting to maintain their lead. Each pilot's maneuver was a calculated risk, their altitude a precious commodity as they vied for the leading position.

Amid the intense competition, the race was a testament to the diversity of the virtual gliding community. Hungary's Zoltan Varga (VZ6) demonstrated exceptional skill, navigating the LS8 Neo to new heights and setting the pace for the rest of the field. Pilots like Ronny Lindell from Sweden and Mihaly Knausz, also from Hungary, illustrated the international flair and high-level competition that the championship brings to the virtual skies.

As the race progressed, pilots like Joshua Arntz from Germany showcased their experience, reaching the second turnpoint with considerable altitude and velocity, marking them as contenders for the race's victory. The approach to the final reporting point was a crescendo of tactical decisions, with pilots jostling for the advantageous thermal lifts that would propel them to a strong finish.

The final leg was a masterclass in virtual gliding, as the pilots needed to maintain a glide ratio optimal enough to ensure a successful crossing of the finish line. Philippe Lata, among others, capitalized on this, pushing their gliders to the limit to secure a place in the top ranks.

The conclusion of the race was a nail-biting affair, with winglet-to-winglet action that saw pilots barely skimming the virtual treetops in their dash to the finish line. The end saw Zoltan Varga narrowly clinching victory on the 19h00UTC server, followed closely by the skillful Ronny Lindell and Jeroen Jennen… but the drama unleashed a few hours later, once the 01h00UTC and 11h00UTC server flew the race as well! Ryan Wood from Canada won the race with an astonishing performance and a speed of 135.15 km/h!

This race, set against the digital rendition of Kimberley's landscape, was more than a competition; it was a celebration of the virtual gliding community's passion and dedication. With such a close finish, the anticipation for the next race is palpable.

For those eager to join the fly or follow the upcoming races, the virtual skies are open to all. Visit the event’s page and follow us on social media to stay in touch with the latest from the 1st FAI Virtual World Gliding Championship.

Stay tuned, as the virtual thermals of Kimberley have set the stage for a championship that is proving to be as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.

Congratulations to Ryan Wood (Canada), Zoltan Varga (Hungary) and Ronny Lindell (Sweden), who brilliantly earned their spot in the Pro Championship!