Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race 2010 (Bristol)

[MikeB]

On 25th September 2010 Bristol will host the world’s oldest aviation event. Gas Balloonists from all over the world will compete in the 54th Gordon Bennett race – a race to fly the furthest distance in a gas balloon from the start point. This prestigious Aviation Event is a race of epic proportions, challenge and endurance.

22 teams consisting of two pilots (pilot and co-pilot) and a retrieve crew, from 12 countries will compete in the 54th Gordon Bennett. The balloons will take off at dusk from Ashton Court in Bristol, thanks to support from event sponsors Bristol City Council and Destination Bristol. Great Britain will be represented by three
teams. The pilots in command will be David Hempleman-Adams, Colin Butter and Janet Folkes.










(Credit Paul Dopson/APGPhoto)

All other images credit Jo Slade.

Should be a good event and you'll find a full report from AeroResource in September.

Cheers,
Mike

[Martin]

On the official website, under teams, it lists the reg's of the Balloons they'll be using

http://www.gordonbennett2010.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[apgphoto]

David will be flying a brand new Cameron designed balloon

In my image L-R Simon Carey (co pilot for DHA) David Hempleman-Adams, Don Cameron, Janet Folkes and Colin Butter

[MikeB]

A quick reminder, the Gordon Bennett launch is this evening in a secret location near Bristol (advanced ticket holders only).

You can watch the balloon tracking online here: http://www.gordonbennett2010.com/tracking" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Live webcam here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/gordonbennett2010" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A full article to hit AeroResource soon.

Cheers,
Mike

[MikeB]

All Balloons got up safely with the final balloon lifting just after Midnight last night...

You can follow their progress here: http://www.gordonbennett2010.com/tracking" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Headset 57]

Hydrogen race balloon goes missing in Adriatic storm




Richard Abruzzo at the launch site on Saturday No distress beacon has been picked up from Mr Abruzzo's balloon

One of the balloons taking part in the Gordon Bennett Cup is missing in thunderstorms over the Adriatic.

The missing hydrogen balloon, piloted by Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis, is one of three US entries.

A spokeswoman at race control in Bristol said contact had been lost with the balloon, and there was concern that it might have had to ditch.

One of the British entries, piloted by Wiltshire-based David Hempleman-Adams and Steve Carey, landed in third place.

The balloon landed in eastern Serbia having travelled 1,248 miles (2,009.54km).

'Very concerned'

Don Cameron, from race control, said the last satellite tracker report from the missing balloon - USA2 - was at 0658 BST.

"The Italian Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre have initiated an operation with a helicopter and fast boat although no ELT [distress beacon] activation has been detected so far," he said.

"The Croatian authorities and all shipping have been informed.

"Thunderstorm activity has been reported in the area. We are very concerned, but can only wait for news now."

The spokeswoman from race control in Bristol said organisers were in touch with the missing balloon's ground team and Italian air traffic control.

First light

The balloons took off from a launch site to the north of Bristol on Saturday night.

The winning team is the one to travel the furthest and crew control the balloon by letting gas out to descend or throwing sandbags out to ascend.

At first light on Wednesday just three teams of the 20 that started, including the Americans, were still flying in the Gordon Bennett 2010 international gas balloon race.

By 1140 BST all other competitors had landed.

The Swiss team - SWI1 - made up of Max Krebs and Walter Gschwendtner, landed near Constanta, Romania, in first place, having travelled 1,513 miles (2,435.08km).

A German balloon piloted by Wilhelm Eimers and Ullrich Seel landed in second place, in Moldova, having travelled 1,438 miles (2,313.40km).