Gliding into the National Spotlight

Visualise an exhilarating yacht race battled out in the skies on rising masses of warm air. Now you're getting close to understanding the thrill of competition gliding.

This exciting spectacle is taking place over Dalby until October 15 with pilots from around the globe journeying to the Darling Downs to compete in the Jimbour Wines Australian 2004 National Gliding Championships.

Competitors from Italy, New Zealand, Japan, England, and around Australia, are testing their skill across courses that can total 750 kms and stretch south to Moree, west to Mitchell and northward to Monto - all in a day!

Gliders average speeds of 150 kms per hour with favourable weather conditions and a skilful pilot. Dalby has a reputation for great thermals that can lift gliders at speeds of up to 1000 feet per minute so expect some fast-paced racing.

Among the list of high-profile competitors are reigning Australian 15 Metre Class champion Paul Matthews, world record holder for a 300 km triangular flight Grae Harrison, and four-time Australian championships winner Tony Tabart.

The competition operates in two classes: 15 Metre (wing span) and Open with handicaps set for the faster gliders. Around 55 gliders will take to the skies in less than an hour with one launched every minute.

The best spectator viewing times are around 11am as the gliders are launched and then 4pm as they touch down.

Gliding Queensland president and competition director Ralph Henderson said the winning pilots would be those with the greatest ability to understand the weather and harness it to their advantage.

"It is a pure form of racing that relies on pilot skill. It's quite an art form and incredibly exciting at the end of the day."

The Darling Downs Soaring Club is hosting the championships on behalf of the Gliding Federation of Australia and organisers are confident this year's event will equal the success of the previous nationals held in Dalby 10 years ago.

These nationals secured Dalby's standing as a first-rate championships venue and no Australian gliding competition has since rivalled its scale and success - a view shared by competitors such as Paul Matthews.

"I have flown in over 75 gliding competitions and I think that the nationals flown in Dalby in 1994 produced the best conditions that I have ever experienced anywhere in the world."

To find out more contact Ralph Henderson on 0409 596579 rhenderson@austarmetro.com.au