The Mildura International Balloon Fiesta was held from 30 June to 9 July 1995. A world class event in the beautiful outback city of Mildura in Victoria, Australia. The event hosted the first ever World Match Flying Cup: new type of ballooning competition where pilots compete against each other in a one on one contest each flight. Pilots who are eliminated in the first round of competition get to continue flying for a Plate trophy. Pliots who are eliminated in the second round of flying get to continue to compete for a Shield trophy. All the pilots keep flying until the competition is completed to determine a final rank order.
Results for 1995
After four qualifying rounds the field for the Cup was reduced to only the top four pilots. In the final round a Fly In for the Cup Darryl Stuart in Ben, defeated Shane Lillycrap in Serendipity. Darryl achieved a drop of 0.95m, to Shane"s 2.95m. It was high pressure flying and a lot of fun. In 3rd place for the Cup was Peter Garret flying the RAAF balloon, who defeated Greg McGir.
The Shield for pilots who are eliminated from the Cup in the second round of flying was won by Andrew Robertson a 20 year old in his first competition.
The Plate trophy for pilots who are eliminated from the Cup in the first round of flying was won by Ewan Roberts also in his first competition.
International and local officials all greed that Match Flying was an exciting prospect for the future of ballooning competitions. It allowed competitiors to keep flying all week with a chance of winning against others of their own ability, and it also gave every pilot the opportunity to knock over one of the top seeds in the early rounds.
Where: In Mildura, Australia.
When: 29 June to 7 July 1996
What is on: In 1996 Mildura will host the 10th Australian Nationals celebrating 20 years of competition in Australia, and the Mildura International Balloon Fiesta will conduct an international Match Flying Challenge for pilots from around the world.
Who to Contact: If you are interested to be a pilot, observer, or other official at the Fiesta in 1996 then contact the Organising Committee;
Contact the Organising Committe now as the event will be restricted to only 40 balloons in 1996.
Pilot Incentives:
Fly in Australia and New Zealand and make a holiday of your trip Down Under.
submitted by: Darryl Stuart - darryl@psych.psy.uq.oz.au
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