Worthing Birdman Festival 2011 live coverage

All of the amateur entrants flew successfully from the Pier earlier today (Sunday, August 14) before the more serious entrants took their turn.

Winds picked up throughout the day, reaching 20 knotts and higher, but a range of competitors, including people dressed as Doctor Who in a Tardis, Darth Vader, Yoda, and an ambulance, flew from the Pier.

Later in the day, it was the turn of the Vulcan, Leonardo and Condor classes to compete for the title of Worthing Birdman Festival 2011 champion.

Last year’s champion, Toby Quantrill, who reached 81 metres then, took the early lead with a flight of 42 metres, but was surpassed by New Zealander Roger Warren, who reached 52.5 metres and Birdman veteran Tony Hughes, who reached 65.4 metres in his x plane glider.

But those distances were smashed by Bill Brooks, who reached 78.4 metres in his Vulcan-class craft.

Other entrants, some of which came from as far afield as Hong Kong, chose not to fly because of the growing winds.

For the full story, read the Worthing Herald on Thursday, August 18.