After many months of preparation, WAC 2017 became a reality on the 9th September 2017 in Malelane when the CIVA President Nick Buckenham declared the championships open. For those of us that were tasked with the preparations, it was a case of hitting the ground running and getting things done. Despite the best intentions of the planning and strategy beforehand, we were ready for the pilots and other delegates on day one. After the registration process was completed, the initial briefing set the scene for the next 10 days. And then the opening ceremony set a truly African scene for our aerobatic friends from across the globe. The stage was set for South Africa to host the 2017 World Aerobatic Championships. The skies above Malelane kept the promise of 'sunny African skies' and the noise of aerobatic aeroplanes performing overhead made everyone happy. The small team of SAC workers ensured that the competition kept running without any serious glitches throughout. Tempers were frayed on the odd occassion and later in the week, strong winds created some challenges, but by the time the last aircraft landed on the final day, all five competition programmes had been completed safely and a winner was chosen by the panel of respected judges. That was the main objective of these championships. Job done!
Congratulations to the 2017 champions;
- Mikhail Mamistov (RUS) - First place overall
- Team France - highest score overall
- Rob Holland - Final Freestyle champion
Thank you to all those participants who graced us with their skills. We trust that all enjoyed our hospitality!
Full results available at www.civa-results.com