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The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award
In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment — we want to hear your story.
Congratulations to our April winner, Tony Cross!
Tony’s flight was a memorable one—something he’d had on his bucket list for a while. Taking off from near his hometown of Adelaide, South Australia, he was able to fly over the crystal clear waters of St Vincent Gulf on a day with ideal conditions.
What made the flight a standout was a 300 km convergence line that enabled him to cover the distance using only a handful of well-placed thermals.
It was one of those rare flights where everything lined up: the weather, the air, and the opportunity. For Tony, it was a great reminder of why he flies—and a day he won’t forget any time soon.
Here is his story:
Bucket List Convergence flight
By Tony Cross
Convergence Flying South Australia
Hang gliding is one of those sports where every flight is different. For me, this particular day in South Australia turned out to be one of those magical "right place, right time" moments that I’ll never forget. It wasn't a record-breaking flight, but the day unfolded with a perfect opportunity to tick another flight off the bucket list.
It all started when the SA team gathered for a practice tow day. The goal was to fine-tune everything before the next weekend’s event at Birchip. The forecast didn’t scream "epic conditions," but I’d been checking Skysight the night before and noticed a predicted convergence line that ran North up along the Flinders Ranges toward Port Augusta and South along the Hummocks Range continuing on to the Southern end of York Peninsula. We were going to be towing at Koolunga which would be within glide of the predicted convergence at top end of the Hummocks Range. While it wasn’t as strong as some I’ve seen, I knew it was worth keeping an eye on. And when it came time to take flight, everything seemed to fall into place.
Launching into the Skies
Andrew Taylor towed up Keith Lavers first, and halfway up the strip, Keith pinged off low into a thermal that he scratched in at the start, but as usual with Keith he made the most of it and was soon out of sight. Now, it was my turn. I towed up with not a lot of lift on tow. Luckily I got a low save back at the cars. The first 2,000 feet were slow and broken—there were some really patchy areas—but once I cleared that, the climb was solid. During the climb the convergence line became obvious with a definite line of clouds running North South along the ranges. Keith had already topped out earlier and was on his way South.
I made the call to pull out at 8500’ and head toward the line of clouds forming over the ranges north of Snowtown. Once there, the convergence was strong and I found I could easily maintain height.
The Glide
The first stretch of the glide was a smooth, fast 44km flight in solid convergence.
By the time I reached South Hummocks, the convergence had started to wane. Here I took my second thermal for the flight to top up as the clouds ahead were thinning out. But the line of convergence was still visible, stretching toward the top of the gulf and down the coast. Some sections of the cloud line stretched over the water, which had me a bit concerned.
I called Andrew to voice my worries, but his response was simple: “You’ll just have to man up” he said.
Out to Sea and Back Again
The flight down the coast was still in convergence, but the lift was weaker, and I had to engage with some thermals to stay afloat. There was a section of the flight that had me circling over the ocean, but I was never far from a landing spot. Fortunately, the lift line shifted inland near Black Point putting me back over land and around a step-down point for Adelaide airspace.
I got one last thermal inland from Port Vincent, thanks to a resident eagle, which took me to about 6,500 feet. From there I had a very buoyant glide, still with a convergence influence for around 40km to the south of Yorktown making the flight 175km with the assistance of what was probably a 300km convergence line.
A Day of Serendipity
One of the highlights of the day was crossing paths with Keith Lavers, who had flown his Malibu to Port Clinton and circled down to get a meal. Unfortunately, when he walked into town, the shop was closed—classic! We both had epic flights, though we didn’t spot each other along the way.
Another highlight was getting picked up by Graham Lang who was still on a high from flying. He had gotten away later in the day in his Malibu. He had also circled down for a feed from great height. Luckily his shop was open!
It’s moments like these that remind me of the unique experiences this sport offers. Each flight is its own adventure, and no two are ever exactly the same.
Unfortunately not all of the team got a chance to get away that day.
But that’s hang gliding. It’s all about embracing the unpredictable, savouring the good times, and knowing there will always be another chance to chase that perfect day.
Huge thanks to the SA team for making the day possible and sorting out retrieves on a day when no one had really planned to fly away.
A bit about Tony Cross
My hometown is Clare, located about an hour and a half’s drive north of Adelaide.
I first got into flying in 1989 when I did a three-day course with my brother-in-law, Roger Pyrke, along with Richard, Dave, and Judy from Adelaide Airsports. After that, I didn’t fly again until a couple of years later, when Steve Blenkinsop landed in Clare. He introduced us to Kevin Cowie, who was instructing at the time. Kev taught us to fly, and I’ve been flying fairly consistently ever since, with a short break while my kids were young.
I started competing locally in the 1990s, and my first major competition was the Bogong Cup in 1998. My next big comp was at Corryong in 2011.
I’ve also had the opportunity to compete internationally, including events in New Zealand and at the European Championships at Monte Cucco in Italy.
How to Enter:
- Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
- Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
- Submit via the Dropbox link below:
- https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
- or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.
Prizes:
- Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
- The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
- The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.
We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!
Category: Uncategorised
The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award
In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment - we want to hear your story.
Congratulations to our March winner, Jeff St Aubin!
Jeff’s heartfelt and inspiring story comes from the Valle de Bravo Sport Class Competition, held in February 2025 in Mexico. For three of the past four years, Jeff has made the incredible 6,000 km round trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Valle de Bravo - a true testament to passion and dedication to the sport.
Jeff writes: On my first trip to Valle I had yet to ever fly cross country and this was my first competition. It was a major skill developer for me and opened me up to the global hang glider community and I haven't looked back since!
The journey sure is a haul but very worth it!
I wish I could have had the chance to meet Bill. Falling into hang gliding has without a doubt been the most positive life changing occurrence I have had and no other physical object has given me the amount of sheer joy and amazement my Gecko has, it truly is a wonder machine!
Many many thanks!
Jeff St Aubin
Jeff, your $200 Moyes voucher is on its way, and you've officially earned a spot in the Grand Final draw later this year. Well done!
Here is his story:
Bittersweet victory in Valle
By Jeff St Aubin
I launched first, and now I was low. It was the fifth and final task of the 2025 El Peñón Classic in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. I had had enough time to fly around and process some things, but with twenty minutes to go til the first start, I thought I had really botched things up. Sitting in fourth place in my fourth time competing at the event, I gave myself one last chance before accepting I had to land. Skirting by the lowest foothill, I slink my Gecko up the terrain in a slowly budding climb that soon disconnects from the pine-lined slope.
I was relaxed. More relaxed flying than I think I had ever been before. Two days beforehand we had lost a fellow competitor in lee side rotor. Five days before that, we had watched a paraglider spiral down without a reserve. Both images seared into my mind, it had been a heavy week for all of us. I searched in the air to regain the joy of flight... and I found it; in melding with my glider and sharing that with the friends around me.
No longer thinking about landing, I twirl above launch and join the others flitting in bubbles on the back ridge. We struggle to gain a hundred feet over when I see another Gecko running low toward the ridge rising from the magic elbow. I crank the VG and dive in, trusting there was enough breeze to surf us up the wall behind Peñón. On toward the mesa! We skim the treetops working that fine line of lift and control our Geckos excel at. A well-timed climb funnels us up for the start and we race down the spine to the first turnpoint. Turning back toward launch, I see the crew of homies I had been flying with for the last few weeks spread ahead of me in their U2s and Sport 3 Races.
The race is on! Zooming by el Peñón, we tag launch en masse and turn back for another lap. Zipping across the mesa’s converging lift, we wring the speed out of our sails and return barely above launch. With one more turnpoint before we break off toward Lago, they pick that same inside line of the back ridge. Seeing a group of Open pilots out front above the tower of el Peñón, I beeline it under them and hook an elevator ride up its limestone face. Returning to the clouds after tagging the cylinder over the back of the mesa, I chuckle as my friends scratch up from below the wall.
Taking my foot off the throttle, I think no more racing, XC mode; got to make it to the lake! Cloudbase was just over 10,500ft that day. I had made it to Lago from less than that before, but it was a nail-biter of a direct line. This task called for a longer dogleg approach, with one final turnpoint by the airport. Slowing it down to milk my glide, I divert over Penitas’ s rocky outcropping and turn my last few circles nibbling at lift. I take an 11:1 glide to goal as my cue to boogie. Sitting at 9,900ft, I needed to cover 13 km to reach the lake’s 6,070ft shore. I had nearly 4,000ft to play with and was reading an actual L/D of 30...40:1 displayed when I jetted downwind... Things looked pretty good! That is, until I was a few hundred feet above the stair steps, wading against the lake’s 10 mph headwind. I was swimming in sink! All I had was goal in front of me and needed just 7:1, but I was only getting 5:1... 6.... 5.... this is going to be close! It was a tense few moments until I slid through one final patch of lift. Not needing to turn, I slow it down until I see 4:1 to goal and scoot on in.
Completing the 35 km task in 46 minutes netted me first place in Sports Class and my first comp win. The next fastest pilot finished 12 minutes slower after taking the second start, leaving me alone in the LZ wondering where everyone else was for over twenty minutes. Despite having the third fastest time on the previous task, I had won the day on lead and arrival points, with four of us finishing within 35 seconds of each other over two starts and all averaging over 40 kph. It was then we watched our fellow competitor spiral down. Losing Chowy makes results seem pointless. But still we fly... and still we race... because we want to be in the sky with friends.
Jeff St. Aubin
Chattanooga, Tennessee USA
Moyes Gecko 155 Pro
How to Enter:
- Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
- Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
- Submit via the Dropbox link below:
- https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
- or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.
Prizes:
- Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
- The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
- The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.
We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!
Category: Uncategorised
The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award
In memory of Bill Moyes, the founder of Moyes Gliders, we are proud to announce the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award. This special competition celebrates the spirit of flight, the courage to soar, and the inspiration that hang gliding brings to us all.
We want to hear your most inspiring flying story! It doesn’t have to be the longest, highest, or most daring flight, but it should be the one you consider most memorable and that truly captures the essence of flying your Moyes glider.
Winners
How to Enter:
- Share Your Story – Write about your most inspiring flight experience. What made it special? Why did it mean so much to you?
- Add Photos and Video – Show us your flight in action! Photos and videos will bring your story to life and let us feel the magic of your journey.
- Submit – Send your entry to the Dropbox link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
Prizes:
- Monthly Winners – Each month, the winning entry will receive a $200 voucher and will be entered into the finals at the end of the year.
- Grand Final Winner – The grand final winner will receive a $1000 Moyes voucher and, most importantly, will have their name engraved on the perpetual Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy.
The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family.
We’re excited to celebrate the passion for flight and the inspiring stories that continue to be written in the skies.
Fly high and share your story with us!
Terms & Conditions:
- Flights must be made on a Moyes glider.
- Submissions should be sent to Dropbox via this link:
- https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
- Minimum word count for stories: 250 words.
- All submitted stories, photos, and videos may be used by Moyes Gliders for promotional purposes.
- Monthly winners will be announced in the first week of the following month.
- The grand final winner will be announced in the first week of January of the following year.
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Moyes Demo Days USA 2025!
Three Exciting Events Across the USA
Easter in California 2025
Dates: Saturday, April 19th & Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Celebration: Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Location: Fort Funston, San Francisco, California
Registration : https://www.californiahg.com/moyes-demo-days-2025-at-fort-funston/
Florida 2025
Event 1:
Dates: Thursday, April 24th & Friday, April 25th, 2025
Celebration: Friday, April 25th, 2025
Location: Wilotree Park, 6548 Groveland Airport Road, Groveland, Florida
Registration : Below
Event 2:
Date & Celebration: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Location: Wallaby Ranch
1805 Deen Still Road, Davenport, Florida
Registration : Below
What’s Happening:
- Test Flights with the latest Moyes gliders, including the NEW Skylite Malibu, NEW Carbon Gecko, and NEW RX Pro 2025.
- Fly with Legendary Pilot Jonny Durand! He’ll be on-site for glider familiarization and test flights.
- Supported by The Moyes Team including, Vicki and Greg Cain and your local Moyes dealers.
- Reconnect with the Hang-Gliding Community and celebrate our shared passion!
Register
