The 5th Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship is now officially in full flight in Northam, Western Australia!
Thirty of the world’s best female pilots representing 13 nations – Australia, Austria, Brazil, Germany, Great Britain, Hugary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and the USA – are flying in competition in the skies over fields of golden canola flowers for the next six days.
Northam is a proud host of the Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship, the first held outside of Europe.
Shire President Chris Antonio officially welcomed competitors and their support crew at yesterday’s Opening Ceremony.
“On behalf of all the Shire of Northam, I warmly welcome all competitors, support crews, family, friends and visitors who are part of the 5th FAI Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship.
“It is an honour to be able to showcase our beautiful part of Australia to all parts of the world.
“Not only do all our honoured guests get to experience our hospitality, but also can see the beautiful colours of the Avon Valley.
“For the next few days, The Shire of Northam gets to host elite athletes and we wish them the best of luck flying in the perfect conditions we are likely to offer. Thanks to Northam Ballooning Events for putting the event together.”
President of the Jury for the 5th FAI Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championships Debbie Spaeth acknowledged Northam as a ballooning destination.
“We know Northam has played an important role in the history of Australian Ballooning and has been the starting point for record setting flights for balloonists from around the globe,” she said.
“Now, they are hosting the prestigious 2023 FAI Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship. The competitors and officials are very happy to be here and are looking forward to writing a new ballooning chapter for Northam and the world.
“While we have only just arrived, the people of Northam have been welcoming and very helpful. We trust Mother Nature will be just as helpful with good flying weather for the week.”
Pilots to watch during this week of flying include twice women’s world champion, and the world’s highest ranked female ballooning pilot Nicola Scaife from Newcastle, NSW, 2018 runner up in the Women’s Worlds, Agne Simonaviciute from Lithuania, Twice British National Champion, four-time Women’s World Cup Champion and Women’s European Champion Lindsay Muir and twice US Women’s national champion Meg Skelton from Denver, Colorado.
Competition flights are scheduled twice daily in the early morning and late afternoon (weather permitting) from Monday to Friday and pilots must complete a series of scored tasks based on accuracy and skill rather than speed. On Saturday morning (9 September) there will be a fly-in finale to close the event.
The Women’s World Championships officially commence on Monday 4 September and are officially sanctioned by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and supported by the Shire of Northam and Tourism Western Australia.
For more information visit: northamballooningevents.com