I thought you might like to see a few photos from the past three Worlds. In 2009, which was my (and Brett's) first World Competition, we went to Portugal. In 2011, it was held back here in the good 'ole USA, and in 2013 the team went all the way to South Africa.
PORTUGAL was my first time in Europe, so everything was 'new' there, at least to me. I've just been looking back at the website I did for Portugal, and it brought back a lot of memories. We all stayed at a hotel in a town called Leiria, and it was so wonderful! Right across the street was a lovely town park along the canal there. It was tree lined with little cafes and benches, with people strolling around at all times of the day. The hotel itself was spacious and comfortable, with a great attraction of being able to go up to the roof deck and look out over the park nearby and see the Castelo de Leiria up on a hill. Here's a peek at our view:
And this was Team USA in Portugal. That park across from the hotel was so good that it even had a plane sitting around that we could use as a prop for the photo.
(If you would like to revisit that site, you can find it here. Scroll down past the pictures to find the blog entries.)
As most of you know, Brett, Andrew, Jason, and Quique were the pilots, while Bryan, Vern, Dave, and Ryan were their callers. How were there four pilots instead of three? That's because Quique won Grand Champion, first place at The Worlds in Argentina in 2007 so he could come to the next Worlds as returning champion or as returning champion, but part of the team. He graciously decided to come back as the returning champion, leaving the way for another spot to be filled on the USA team. I had not met Quique before Portugal, but I can assure you, the pleasure was all mine! Besides being a legend, fierce competitor, gentleman and all around great guy, he told the best stories of anybody . . . ever!
USA was where the 2011 Worlds were held in Muncie. I do remember it was hot! Did I tell you it was hot? Oh yah, it ended up being really hot. Anyway, I actually did a site for that one too; if you want to relive it again, the link is here.
One of the favorite photos from then was this one:
USA was where the 2011 Worlds were held in Muncie. I do remember it was hot! Did I tell you it was hot? Oh yah, it ended up being really hot. Anyway, I actually did a site for that one too; if you want to relive it again, the link is here.
One of the favorite photos from then was this one:
Here's a shot of Team USA in 2011:
This would be when Team USA let the world know they were back and taking the Gold. It was all that much sweeter knowing they had done it on USA soil.
SOUTH AFRICA became the next place to host The F3A Worlds. This is when Mark Atwood stepped up to be Team Manager. It was a daunting job getting funds and logistics all in line, but it all came together.
One of the most talked about places coming from everybody that was there happened to be . . . wait, you know what it is . . . it's in the DNA of most every flier . . . yes, it was the fantastic hobby shop they visited in Johannesburg.
Here's one of the times Mark wrote about it:
Even on the second visit this hobby shop, Aerial Concepts, was incredible. I have to guess that they have upwards of $2 million in inventory. They have hundreds of radio’s in stock, over a 1000 kits, many of which are Turbines, and large IMAC planes, along with a full line of EVERYTHING. The consensus from visitors from all the countries (most made the effort to visit this store) was that none of us have seen a store quite like this. We spent about 2 hours, quite a bit of money, had lunch at the store café, and then headed back to the field.
And here are a few photos to feast on:
One of the most talked about places coming from everybody that was there happened to be . . . wait, you know what it is . . . it's in the DNA of most every flier . . . yes, it was the fantastic hobby shop they visited in Johannesburg.
Here's one of the times Mark wrote about it:
Even on the second visit this hobby shop, Aerial Concepts, was incredible. I have to guess that they have upwards of $2 million in inventory. They have hundreds of radio’s in stock, over a 1000 kits, many of which are Turbines, and large IMAC planes, along with a full line of EVERYTHING. The consensus from visitors from all the countries (most made the effort to visit this store) was that none of us have seen a store quite like this. We spent about 2 hours, quite a bit of money, had lunch at the store café, and then headed back to the field.
And here are a few photos to feast on:
Alright, wipe the drool off your face and we'll continue . . .
One of the better stories Mark had to tell concerned someone so many of you know. Tim and Linda Jesky, Andrew's parents, are a fixture in the flying community for all the support and countless volunteer hours they have provided over the years. Mike (my husband, Brett's Dad) and I first got to know them in Portugal and we've been fast friends since. Mike and I were unable to go to South Africa, but of course, Tim and Linda were there and they had rented a car to drive back and forth. Mark had a play day relating to us all a description of Tim's experience behind the wheel. Here's a couple pictures and a description of said pictures that Mark related to us after returning to the flying field this particular day:
What we arrived to though was raw vehicular carnage. Much to our excitement and chagrin, Tim had accidentally struck a cheetah with his Volkswagon rental, wounding the precious animal and totally destroying the front end of the sedan, including cracking the radiator.
What we arrived to though was raw vehicular carnage. Much to our excitement and chagrin, Tim had accidentally struck a cheetah with his Volkswagon rental, wounding the precious animal and totally destroying the front end of the sedan, including cracking the radiator.
While the car was damaged badly, and will need significant repairs before it can be driven again, it will indeed eventually be good as new. I’m sorry to say the Cheetah didn’t fair so well. By the time we arrived on the scene, the poor animal was unrecognizably pale, rigidly stiff and cold. Never to run again…
We will be sharing a rental car with them in Switzerland, and Tim has already told us that he will not be the driver this time around. Something tells me I may be taking photos as I drive . . . okay, not really when I drive.
2014 Nats/Team Trials Here's the happy new 2015 Team USA for the Worlds in Switzerland!
2014 Nats/Team Trials Here's the happy new 2015 Team USA for the Worlds in Switzerland!
Hope you enjoyed a little look back on the recent past years. Now we're on to the future and the great ride that will soon be the 2015 Worlds in Switzerland!