Comps and Events

Canungra SpandiCup 2024: Race Report

10 October, 2024, by Allen Weynberg | Photos: Planet Paragliding

After three great tasks, Dan Thuillier took out the inaugural Canungra SpandiCup in Canungra, Queensland, held 29 September to 5 October. Organised by local Planet Paragliding the innovative size-based format saw three classes organised by measuring the span of each glider.

Turnpoint cylinders were adjusted so that the big gliders flew to a small cylinder each time and smaller gliders were given a larger cylinder, and therefore a shorter course. Steve Purdon won the under-11.5m span class and Ian McFarlane took out the most popular Sports Class, for gliders 11.5-12.5m in span. Alison Cawte was first woman and fifth overall.

The first task saw the field, 36 pilots from across Australia and New Zealand, assembled on the west-facing Tamborine launch and a short, 25km U-shaped task via two turnpoints being set. Conditions were slow to start but gaggles got away and eight pilots made goal.

Ross Johnstone from New Zealand came in first. Much chatter afterwards centred on enjoying reaching a turnpoint and watching the bigger gliders continuing deeper into the cylinder, or the opposite – agony at leading to the edge of the cylinder and then watching your mates turn and disappear down course line as you go deeper to your turnpoint.

The next day dawned a little windy and a 50km downwind dash was set. Pilots took off at Hinchies on the edge of the Scenic Rim mountains, sailed over the wide flat Kerry Valley and Beaudesert before hopping over the low hills and landing in Boonah.

Due to the breeze, pilots were allowed to take different start gates at fifteen-minute intervals. Thirteen pilots made goal – Garry Stevenson was quickest, completing the 47km in just over two hours. After two days of consistent flying, Alison Cawte was in third overall.

Final Friday saw a 45km race to goal at Rathdowney from Tamborine via three turnpoints. Seventeen pilots made goal including entrants in all three size classes. Ivan Annisimov took out overall honours and was fastest wide span glider, Stephen Noble was first middle size and Steve Purdon won the small span. Drivers did a great job of collecting pilots from across a wide swathe of sunny Queensland.

In addition to pure competition activities, mentoring and fun activities were expertly organised by the team at Planet Paragliding throughout the week. Low airtime pilots got advice, help and extra flights with retrieve. Excursions and events included a breakfast BBQ, bowls Night, bird of prey show, hikes and a film night.

Prize-giving, pints and pizzas were handed out at the Canungra Hotel on Saturday. Thanks to Planet Paragliding for organising, the Canungra Hang Gliding Club for use of the best sites in Australia, and all the drivers, helpers and sponsors.