LONDON SYDNEY AIR RACE
The Air Race preparation on 10/03/2001 and
start from Biggin Hill on Sunday 11/3/2001 went very well indeed despite
poor weather conditions and we are delighted to report that all competitors
arrived safely at their first stop in Cannes on11/3/2001. Stage 2 to
Kerkira (Corfu) started early on the Monday 12/3/2001.
The London - Sydney Air Race was organised to
celebrate the centenary of the federation of Australia and some 38 competitors
from all over the world took part in the 28 day, 14,000 mile flight along the
old Kangaroo Route from London - Sydney. As one of Britain's most
historic airfields and a centre of aviation training and endeavour, we were a
natural choice for the race start point and were proud to be associated with
this memorable event - only the fourth race of its kind in the last century.
Several hundred enthusiasts came to Biggin Hill
over the weekend to meet the crews, view the aircraft and generally join in
the spirit of things.
On Saturday morning, the Rev. Chris Kitchener of
St Marks Church in Biggin Hill led the Blessing of The Fleet, a moving
ceremony listened to avidly by spectators, competitors, their friends and
family, race organisers and airport officials alike. The well chosen
words from Psalm 139 struck a chord and then a prayer was said for the
safety of all involved.
After that, the race competitors joined in a
ceremonial taxi-parade out of the starting enclosure and past the Terminal
Building, proudly waving and many bearing their national flags.
Then on a brisk and misty Sunday morning, all
prepared for the "big off" and after initial fears that the weather
would hold proceedings up, the race was flagged off by Australian High
Commissioner Michael L'Estrange just 3 mins late at 0803 to cheers by the
gathered crowd. Starting with the Grumman Albatross seaplane, the
aircraft began their procession to the runway and flew up into the clouds
bound for Cannes. It was an unforgettable weekend.
Pictures from over the weekend have been
syndicated via the organisers by REX FEATURES, who can be reached on 020 7278
7294.