THE Sailplane Grand Prix returns to Horsham next week and preparations are gearing up for the international flying event.
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President of the Horsham Flying Club Arnold Niewand said he was looking forward to seeing the event unfold after months of preparation.
“The planning is coming together really well, we’ve been working at this for the last six months,” he said.
“The Council has put the aerodrome together really well and we are looking forward to a good competition and putting Horsham on the map internationally.”
The event is the first Sailplane Grand Prix for the year, and the only one to take place in Australia.
The international series will travel to America in March, feature in multiple European countries throughout the middle of the year before the World Final takes place in Spain in June.
Mr Niewand said people were welcome to head to the Horsham Aerodrome and witness the event.
The races will also be streamed, with people expected to watch the event from across the globe.
“You can also watch the races on the gliding website from home,” Mr Niewand said.
“Each glider will carry a tracking device and will be able to transmit in real time to the rest of the world the race as it is happening. It was well received when we ran it last time just over 12 months ago.”
Mr Niewand said high profile pilots will be competing at the event.
“We have some top international pilots from Australia,” he said. “We have multiple Australian championships and last year’s winner will be defending his title too.”
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Pam Clarke said welcoming the Sailplane Grand Prix back to Horsham was a big benefit to the whole city after the successful event ran in December of 2016.
“It’s wonderful – I was there in 2016 and opened it. It’s excellent and a wonderful event for everybody. It’s amazing to see how far they have to fly and what they have to do,” she said.
“It’s fascinating to be out there and see all the planes, it’s amazing.”
The event will take place from January 22 to 28 with the best viewing times for spectators dependent on the conditions each day. Spectators are suggested to attend the event from after 1pm.
