Lakes Charity Classic 2010

Lakeland Skies - another triangle day at the Lakes Charity Classic 2010. Photo: Ed Cleasby

This past weekend, 4 and 5 June 2010, the 20th annual Lakes Charity Classic took place on the shores of Buttermere lake, and to the delight of the crowds the weather played ball, the beer flowed and much flying was had by all.

Organisers described the event as “possibly the biggest and most successful free flying/comp event of its type ever held in this country”.

The two-day A and B cross country paragliding competitions were won by Steve Etherington and Chris Robinson respectively, with Ozone boss Mike Cavanagh on hand to share his knowledge with the eager pilots.

Chris Robinson and Steve Etherington receive first prizes for the B and A competitions at the Lakes Charity Classic 2010. Photos: John Hamlett

Spanish acro star Felix Rodriguez made his first visit to the UK for the event, where he attempted to break the world record for infinity tumbling. D-bagging from a helicopter at 3,000 m he made 187 revolutions before  G-forces got the better of him – not beating Horacio Llorens’ 281 revolutions in the Himalaya last December (though Horacio did start from the giddy height of 5,800 metres!) Felix was reportedly so impressed by the beauty of the Lake District and the friendly and fun atmosphere of the LCC that he intends to return to the country with his family.

The helicopter was kept busy, lifting acro pilots and speed flyers to High Crag, 1,000 m above the party, from where they whizzed and tumbled their way down to the field below, wowing the crowds.

Acro pilots wowed the crowds at the Lakes Charity Classic 2010

For the eighth year the Buttermere Bash, run by Gordie Oliver, formed an important part of the wekend and ensured that everyone was entertained all evening with bands, DJs and Cumbrian ale keeping things going until 4am.

A full write-up of the event will be in issue 130, out soon.