The edge, the border area between the Kalahari and the Namib desert, was the right place to be invited to the race. Cutting speed there more than 160 kph. Almost too fast to enjoy the fascinating landscape. The ambitious early starters managed the 1000 kilometers in these conditions.
Those who had to take a breather after the day had missed a lot on Sunday. It was again possible, more than 1100 kilometers were flown. The Reinhard Schramme/Ralf Bödeker team barely missed the 1200 kilometer with the EB 28.
Above all, it was comfortable at the high base altitudes above 5000 meters MSL, up there at the zero degree limit it was even a little too fresh, while on the ground at 38 degrees Celsius in the shade we were sweating.
And – hardly imaginable any more: Monday should bring another increase.
In early September, the containers holding the gliders for the 2026/27 season were loaded in Waghäusel. Transported by trailer, truck, and cargo ship, the gliders are now on their long journey to Namibia, to the Bitterwasser Flying Lodge.
The Bitterwasser Flying Lodge was the main sponsor of the Junior World Gliding Championships, where from August 2 to 17, 2026, around 80 pilots from 22 nations competed for the titles in the Standard and Club classes. The grand prize for the JWGC winners was a one-week stay at the lodge, including travel and an airplane.