The first Ozone Chabre Open paragliding cross-country competition, last week, was a tremendous success. Some 82 pilots from France, UK, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Spain, USA and Australia took part. After a practice day on Sunday, five tasks were flown, starting from local sites at Montagne de Chabre, Laragne and Bergies and Buc at Sederon. Tasks ranged from 25km to 48km with pilots in goal on all but the last day.

With the emphasis on a safe, fun and friendly competition, the Ozone Chabre Open was organised as a Series class event, with a handicap scoring system, favouring pilots flying on more stable, lower performance wings. The overall winner, on handicap was Judy Leden (Ozone Mojo) from the UK. Judy, a veteran hang glider and paraglider competition pilot who has not competed for 10years, won an Ozone glider as first prize. She selected the Ozone McDaddy tandem (largest size) which she will donate to Flyability, a UK charitable organisation that helps handicapped people to experience free flying. Winner of the prize draw for an Ozone glider was Roy Clarke who is looking forward to flying his new Ozone Rush
“I just had so much fun at the Ozone Chabre Open,” Judy said afterwards. “The event was extremely well organised, the area is fantastic and the tasks were potentially achievable, even for a DHV 1 glider.”

Highlights of the week included the Renegades giving a superb demonstration of formation flying, Ozone test pilots putting the latest prototypes through some of the DHV manoeuvres, and de-bagging and BASE jumping from a helicopter over the Laragne landing field.
Excellent talks were given by Bob Drury, Jocky Sanderson, Russell Ogden and Judy Leden. Practical sessions on using your GPS were provided by UK team pilot, Nicky Moss and post-task discussions showing tracklogs were led by Jocky. and we even managed to fit in a couple of discos, parties and some great food at Ribiers

Many pilots had the opportunity to test fly Ozone gliders, including the Mojo, Buzz, Rush, Geo and Mantra. Thanks to Ozone for all their help and support, both before and after the event. They certainly know how to party!

Now's your chance to get the results and play the tracks on your nice new copy of Compe GPS!

Where glider rating/handicap weightings appear to be inconsistent this indicates a pilot flying a demo wing for the day!