Soaring High: Highlights from the Week of Dec 21, 2025 on Volandoo

Welcome to Volandoo, the premier global platform for live tracking and logging paragliding and hang gliding adventures. This past week, our passionate community recorded an inspiring total of 330 flights, showcasing incredible skill, endurance, and a shared love for XC flying. From technical FAI Triangles to free-distance challenges, pilots across varied terrains and soaring styles pushed their limits. Let’s dive into six of the most remarkable flights that defined this week's sky-bound feats.

1. Edu Lauriti’s Masterful 149 km FAI Triangle at Maipú

Renowned pilot Edu Lauriti delivered a stellar performance flying a classic Rolladen-schneider Ls4 glider over Maipú. Tackling an ambitious FAI Triangle, Edu covered 149.22 km in just over 3 hours and 12 minutes, executing precise turns and utilizing a remarkable 28 thermals to maintain altitude. This flight stands out not just for its distance, but for the strong tactical choices in optimizing route and thermal efficiency, reinforcing Maipú's reputation as a versatile and challenging site.

2. Horacio Parisi’s Dynamic 136 km Free Triangle at Maipú

Flying the dependable Szd 48 Jantar Std 2, Horacio Parisi completed a challenging 136.43 km Free Triangle with a patient duration of nearly 3 and a half hours. Horacio’s flight demonstrated expert use of 33 thermals, navigating open skies and showcasing flow efficiency at Maipú. His achievement highlights the beauty of free-distance triangle tasks combining strategy and adaptability—skills every XC pilot can admire and aspire to.

3. Marcelo Martino’s Endurance Flight: 109 km FAI Triangle at Trenque Lauquen

In a test of stamina and commitment, Marcelo Martino soared across Trenque Lauquen for an impressive 8 hours 45 minutes, completing a 109 km FAI Triangle. Piloting the high-performance Jonker Js3 Res, Marcelo relied on an extraordinary 158 thermals, masterfully reading the skies in a marathon flight. This long-haul XC adventure exemplifies patience and persistence in cross-country flying, inspiring pilots to embrace endurance as a core skill.

4. Christian Cid’s Precision in Free Distance Near Morro Saavedra

Embracing challenge, Christian Cid carved out a 100 km Free Distance Around 3 Turnpoints over the scenic Morro Saavedra site. Flying the agile Willswings T2c, he spent just over 5 hours skillfully navigating 101 thermals — a testament to his expert thermal centering and airspace awareness. Christian’s flight sheds light on strategy in multi-turnpoint tasks, a thrilling format for pilots eager to sharpen their tactical decision-making.

5. Diego Garcia Completes a Sleek 94 km FAI Triangle

Flying the classic tandem glider Schempp Hirth Janus C, Diego Garcia achieved a solid 94.2 km FAI Triangle in a brisk 2 hours and 15 minutes. Though the site wasn’t specified, Diego’s efficient use of 41 thermals and steady pace highlight the potential for quality XC flights in less-frequented areas. His success encourages pilots to explore new sites and trust their skills in diverse conditions.

6. Julio Munoz’s 91 km Out and Back Flight in Lanzarote’s Captivating Skies

On the windswept slopes of Lanzarote’s Famara (Tequise), Julio Munoz demonstrated his mastery flying a Gin Bonaza 3 during an invigorating 90.93 km Out and Back flight. Clocking in at just over 2 hours and 20 minutes with 46 strong thermals, Julio expertly navigated the island’s dynamic coastal lift and mountain winds. This flight underscores Lanzarote’s standing as a premier hang gliding and paragliding destination, perfect for both seasoned flyers and newcomers aiming to step into XC.

Closing Thoughts

These six flights capture the spirit of exploration, technical prowess, and camaraderie that so defines our global fly community. Whether piloting vintage classics or cutting-edge gliders, Volandoo pilots continue to raise the bar in XC paragliding and hang gliding. Stay inspired, keep tracking, and don’t forget to engage with fellow flyers on Volandoo's vibrant social network—where every flight tells a story.
Fly safe, and see you in the skies!