Organizers of “The Datum RPO World Record Cross Channel Flight,” which has one hundred balloon pilots taking part to cross the English Channel, have postponed the launch that was scheduled for Friday, March 17th.
Surface wind speeds that could go as high as 19 knots at launch time would not be conducive to a take-off by 100 balloonists, according to the official website: www.ballooncrosschannel.com
“Sadly we have to stand down our planned flight for tomorrow, Friday March 17th.
Whilst the wind direction is perfect and the upper winds are perfect, the surface wind speeds are forecast to remain just too high.
The met [meteorologist’s] office have been giving us very detailed weather and they think gusting tomorrow at 6 a.m. is still around 13 knots but could be as high as 19 knots.
Whilst a very breezy take off may suit some people, this is a team experience for 100 balloons and we must respect everyone and on this occasion, we must be patient and wait for the right day.
We are looking for a weather slot where everybody can enjoy the flight of a lifetime and with the high winds, we do not feel that tomorrow will achieve that.
We revert to STANDBY mode and will monitor for the next weather slot.”
