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25 August 2024


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CONGRATULATIONS FreyjaUSA !!!
CONGRATULAZIONI Siaki !! GEFELICITEERD bonknhoot !

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Commentary

For only the fourth time SOL's aeronauts have soared off in our Balloon. Traditionally the North Atlantic route of 1632 NM from St John to Galway has taken one or two weeks. In 2024 we embarked on a new course of more than double that distance with 3594 NM across the South Atlantic from Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope. One might think it might take twice as long on the longer course, but as it happened it also took only about two weeks for the first balloon to arrive. Piloted by FreyjaUSA, logging 5264 NM in 14 Days 6 hours 41 Minutes 47 Seconds, averaging a speed of 15.36 NM/Hr. He was followed by Siaki and bonknhoot to complete the podium. Well done!

From the Chat reel, Freyja commented: "I honestly never thought I would be sitting in this position at the end. ...you have to use different brain cells for sure....going slower at times, and being patient (and lucky) has been the difference overall." Siaki commented: "...in the end it has been a cool race...", and bonk suggested a future series, one a quarter, receiving affirmatives from several. So, stay tuned there may be more frequent options to lift off in the future and on new courses.

At the time of race close 72 of 82 balloons launched, and 46 managed to arrive. Along the way the winds were difficult and finicky. Predictions for stronger winds a day after the start did not materialize and those who waited were disappointed as it took a week for favourable winds to develop again, with early launchers already more than halfway to the finish. The new course and difficult winds left the fleet exhausted and scattered, which is actually typical for a Balloon race since steering in the rearview mirror is one of the most challenging features of balloon races. Great job to all who attempted and especially to those who finished.

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