It’s National Day for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, 2 December, when they celebrate 42 years of their union. The competition almost took a back seat today with just one round of CP and one of 8-way. The rest of the day and night at the Palm was filled with activities Dubai-Style…
Only in Dubai!
Several times the dropzone was ‘flash-mobbed’, with a hundred dancers suddenly grooving and moving in perfect synchronization. Scuba divers on the Palm set a World Record for the largest jigsaw puzzle done underwater (yes, really!), the Red Arrows did a gorgeous display, 10 Parabatix pilots had a thrilling Skyrace, and enough fireworks were set off to bring down the Houses of Parliament.
Canopy Piloting
Another single jump day for the patient pilots completed a round of zone accuracy. This sent Cornelia Mihai into second position behind Curt B, with French Julien Guiho in third (Julien is also competing in VFS with Need4Speed). Unfortunately it also sent one of the German pilots to hospital with a suspected vertebra fracture.
Zone accuracy carries the biggest risk of injury, as, after dragging their feet through 4 gates, the pilots generate a lot of lift to get close to the target, leading to an almost vertical drop-down onto the feet, with potential spine compression injuries as a result. That was Brian Vacher’s fate last year, and happened to Maxine Tate in February. Top respect to these competitors for powering through their injuries and returning to competition.
8-way FS
The single round of 8-way was a tricky draw(M, C, 20, 5) and was what Craig described as ‘a very big jump’. A classy puzzle by Eliana gave a repeater; the focus of the guys was obvious in the walk-through, with serious intent. Assar ripped the jump to shreds, with a commanding, high-energy skydive that was right ‘on the line’ and stretched their lead by another 2 points. On one year the Assar 8-way looks completely different; they have turned from one of the pack into a team that clearly belongs on the world podium. Tomorrow will bring an interview with coach Craig Girard to explain how they worked this ‘magic’.
Freefly
The freefly competition is very exciting with France and Russia neck and neck with 2 rounds to go. France has 43.9 points to Russia’s 43.6, a placing that leaves the crowd baffled, since the Russian flyers seem so synchronised, precise and innovative. The French style is more acrobatic with tricks and twisting somersaults. All the teams have their own distinct style, and all are gorgeous to watch.
Full scores and video at: Omniskore
Image gallery (Melon): JuanMayerProductions
Image gallery (PD): PD Facebook
