The Winter Fun Flights 2026 brought experienced hot air balloon pilots, crews and ballooning enthusiasts together in the Magalies River Valley from 17 to 19 July 2026. Hosted by Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris, the weekend celebrated friendly competition, flying skill, ballooning camaraderie and 45 years of ballooning heritage.
The event brought together sports balloonists, commercial pilots, hobbyists, crew members and friends from the South African ballooning community for a weekend of friendly competition, skilful flying and good old-fashioned ballooning camaraderie.
Held during our 45th anniversary year, the Winter Fun Flight Fest was also a celebration of the people, traditions and shared passion that have shaped ballooning in South Africa over many decades.
Winter Fun Flights 2026 Takes to the Sky
The pilots were presented with a series of challenges designed to test their ability to read the wind, control their balloons and make sound decisions throughout each flight.
The competition was never simply about reaching a destination. Pilots needed to demonstrate judgement, patience, timing, speed control and, above all, safe and responsible flying.
Saturday morning’s competition combined two recognised ballooning tasks: Judge Declared Goals and a Calculated Rate of Approach.
Three designated landing goals were available, and each pilot was required to declare which goal they intended to reach before take-off. They then had to manage their speed and direction carefully, aiming to land at the selected field within the designated arrival period.
Points were awarded for reaching the correct or an alternative field, together with points based on the balloon’s arrival time. GPS safety tracks were used to assist with the scoring and auditing of the results.
It was an entertaining challenge for spectators, but a demanding exercise for the pilots, who had to work with the wind rather than against it. As every balloonist knows, the wind always has the final say.
Flying Challenges at the Winter Fun Flights 2026
Hot air ballooning is entirely weather dependent, and the safety of pilots, crew, passengers and spectators must always come before competition.
Unfortunately, Saturday afternoon’s fly-in challenge was cancelled due to strong winds.
The challenge scheduled for Sunday morning was also cancelled because of strong winds and a wind direction that was not conducive to a safe flight.
Although everyone would have loved another opportunity to take to the skies, the decision not to fly was the correct one. Knowing when not to launch is just as important as knowing how to fly, and responsible decision-making remains one of the most important skills in aviation.
The final competition results were therefore calculated from the official challenge elements that could be completed safely.
Winter Fun Flights 2026 Placements and Prize Winners
Following the completion and auditing of the official competition scores, the final placements were announced.
First place: Ian Schilz
Ian Schilz took first place in the Winter Fun Flight Fest 2026.
His prize was a two-night stay for two adults sharing at the beautiful SiriMiri Cottage in Dullstroom.
Second place: Juandre Janse van Vuuren
Juandre Janse van Vuuren achieved overall second place.
His prize was a one-night stay for two adults at Leopard Lodge.
Third place: Felicity Clegg
Felicity Clegg secured third place overall.
Her prize was a one-night stay for two people sharing at the Indaba Hotel, including breakfast at Epsom Restaurant and dinner at Chief’s Boma, excluding drinks.
Congratulations to Ian, Juandre and Felicity on their achievements during the official competition challenges.
Fun Awards and Spot Prizes
Special prizes were also awarded during the completed challenges.
Friday afternoon: Eugene Schilz
Eugene Schilz received a one-night stay for two people sharing at the Indaba Hotel, including breakfast at Epsom Restaurant and dinner at Chief’s Boma, excluding drinks.
Saturday morning: Juandre Janse van Vuuren
Juandre Janse van Vuuren received a two-hour Gin School Masterclass experience for two people at the Indaba Hotel.
The fun awards
Not every memorable achievement can be measured by GPS or recorded on a score sheet. A number of light-hearted awards were presented in recognition of the personalities, teamwork and memorable moments that made the weekend so enjoyable.
Cheese-kop Award: Jim Seton-Rogers
For keeping his head in the game, even when you have had a few holes in his plans! Jim received 1 kg of cheese from Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij.
Best Spirit Award: Ianthé Honiball
Ianthé received a two-hour Gin School Masterclass for two people at the Indaba Hotel, together with a R200 voucher for Wimpy Arrow’s Rest.
Best Dressed Team: Dave MacGregor
Dave and his team received a R200 Mugg & Bean Hartbeespoort voucher and a R200 Vovo Telo Hartbeespoort voucher.
Best Inflation: Eugene Schilz
Eugene received a Van Gaalen Cheese Tour for two adults.
Most Enthusiastic Participant: Alan Turner
Alan received a Van Gaalen Cheese Tour for two adults.
Early Bird Award: Dale de Klerk
Dale received an Indaba Hotel Tasting Room experience for two adults, including a wine and chocolate pairing.
Finding Nemo Award: Hein van der Merwe
Hein received Villa Paradiso weekend buffet breakfast vouchers for two adults, together with a R100 Mugg & Bean Hartbeespoort voucher.
Most Miles Walked in a Day: Armand “Kortbroek”
Armand, who certainly earned his title as Daleen’s runner, received Villa Paradiso weekend buffet breakfast vouchers for two adults and a R100 Vovo Telo Hartbeespoort voucher.
Pilot’s Pilot Award: Jim Seton-Rogers
Jim received a Black Horse Brewery beer or gin tasting for two, together with a gift bag from DJA Aviation Insurance.
The Pilot’s Pilot Award is particularly special because it recognises the respect and appreciation of fellow balloonists. Congratulations, Jim.
Participating Pilots
We were delighted to welcome the following pilots and participants to the Winter Fun Flight Fest 2026:
- Alan Turner
- Dale de Klerk
- Dave MacGregor
- Eugene Schilz
- Felicity Clegg
- Hein van der Merwe
- Ian Schilz
- Ianthé Honiball
- Jim Seton-Rogers
- Juandre van Vuuren
Thank you to every pilot for participating in the event with enthusiasm, professionalism and respect for the safety decisions made throughout the weekend.
A Special Thank You to Deon
A very special thank you goes to Deon Grové for his invaluable assistance with the planning of the competition tasks, scoring and auditing of the results. Creating fair, practical and enjoyable ballooning challenges requires considerable knowledge and careful preparation. Deon’s experience, attention to detail and calm assistance helped ensure that the completed competition elements were properly planned and fairly assessed.
His contribution behind the scenes was greatly appreciated by everyone involved.
Thank you to our generous prize sponsors
An event such as this would not be possible without the generosity and support of our prize sponsors and partners.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
- Indaba Hotel
- Chief’s Boma (Indaba Hotel)
- Epsom Restaurant (Indaba Hotel)
- Indaba Gin School
- Leopard Lodge
- SiriMiri Cottage Dullstroom
- Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij
- Mugg & Bean Hartbeespoort
- Vovo Telo Hartbeespoort
- Wimpy Arrow’s Rest
- Villa Paradiso
- Black Horse Brewery
- DJA Insurance
BMW Northcliff, for the diaries included in the participant’s goodie bags
Training Masters, for the chutneys included in the participant’s goodie bags
Waves Headwear, for the beanies included in the participant’s goodie bags
Your generous contributions added another layer of fun and celebration to an already memorable weekend. From the wonderful competition prizes to the thoughtful items included in the participant goodie bags, each contribution helped us make the Winter Fun Flights 2026 even more special for our pilots, crews and participants.
Celebrating Ballooning Friendship and Heritage
The Winter Fun Flight Fest 2026 was about far more than rankings and prizes.
It was an opportunity to bring the ballooning community together, share knowledge, enjoy some friendly rivalry and celebrate a form of aviation that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.
For Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris, hosting the event during our 45th anniversary year made it especially meaningful. Since 1981, we have seen ballooning technology, navigation and operating standards evolve, but the heart of ballooning has remained the same: respect for the weather, trust between pilot and crew, and the remarkable friendships formed through a shared love of flight.
Thank you to every pilot, crew member, team member, sponsor, guest and spectator who helped make the Winter Fun Flight Fest 2026 such a memorable occasion.
Until the next friendly challenge, may the winds be gentle, the landings be smooth and the retrieval vehicles never be too far away.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
