Results and Next Year (2009)

Saturday, saw the first day of Worthing’s very first International Birdman rally gave the public a truly fabulous days flight showcasing the serious Leonardo da Vinci and Condor flyers.

By rights Sunday was destined to showcase the event with the piece de résistance comic Kingfisher flyers scheduled to fly and entertain the crowds and at the same time raising lots of cash for charity. But all was not meant to be as the weather conditions closed in on Sunday making it too dangerous to fly.

Event organiser, Sharon Clarke of the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, says:

“Saturday showed that Worthing was a great new perch for the birdman to fly from. Naturally we were all really disappointed that people couldn’t see the full potential of the event on Sunday. But it will be back for summer 2009 as plans are already in place to check out the tide time and dates. So watch this space!”

The results of the Saturday flying were as follows

Condor Class

1. Ron Freeman - 85.9 m
2. Steve Elkins - 76.4 m
3. Tony Hughes - 69.1 m
4. Paul Fessi - 49.1m
5. Dean Gunn - 27.9m
   

Leonardo da Vinci Class

1. Bill Brooks - 16.4m
2. David Moore - 6.6m

Longest in the air winner was Tony Hughes with 14.2 seconds, although no one achieved the 100metre flight which could have netted a cool £30,000 prize.

Over 117 text votes were received despite the ‘Kingfishers’ not actually flying, with the two winners - Matthew England and Barry Newell - winning a local restaurant voucher each.

Missed out on the fun?  Check out the pictures images and video footage on our Birdman 2008 pages.

Call organiser Sharon Clarke on 01903 203252 if you want to take part or be a sponsor next year.