Benedikt Waegele is the winner of the Bitterwasser Cup

Benedikt Waegele has been awarded the Bitterwasser Cup, giving him the unique opportunity to fly here in Bitterwasser. The 19-year-old has already impressed in Germany with flights of over 1200 km in the Alps. Here in Bitterwasser he had the opportunity to prove his talent in Namibia - and he did not disappoint. During his stay, he completed eight impressive flights, six of which were well over 1000 kilometers.

His highlight to date: “The 1,278-kilometer flight with the Ventus 3”. In a team flight together with Tobias Welsch, Manfred Dick and Alexander and Bernd Schmid, he first flew far into the Namib Desert. The second part of the route led along the edge of the weather developments to the border with South Africa, before heading back to Bitterwasser through the showery landscape in the evening. “It was not only challenging in terms of flying, but also the scenery was simply incredible!” says Benedikt.


The Bitterwasser Cup is aimed at all young glider pilots up to the age of 25. The flights must have taken off from an OLC Europe country, and the six best flights will be judged according to the OLC Plus rules. The winner of the Cup will receive exclusive coaching in Bitterwasser, including a free flight, accommodation and the opportunity to either use a glider from the lodge or have their own club glider transported to Namibia free of charge.

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What a start to the season!

The early birds did it. Elmar Fischer and Reinhard Schramme struck in the first few days. Here is Elmar's report:

Loading of gliders in 2025

On the weekends of September 6/7, 2025, and September 13/14, 2025, 30 gliders were loaded into seven containers to begin the long journey to Bitterwasser, Namibia.

All gliders are very well booked. There are still a few slots available at the beginning of November. If you are interested, please contact  hog@bitterwasser.com.