Breeze aborts balloon launch
Bad weather threatened the success of the morning balloon launch in Hamilton today, writes Oskar Howell.
Poor weather stifled a balloon launch ceremony in Hamilton.
Organisers of Balloons over Waikato, held at Innes Common, had to adapt plans for balloon-takeoffs on Friday, with many pilots electing to do tethered rides instead.
Despite fine weather as the sun rose, the slow winds across the park meant many balloons struggled to get off the ground.
Head forecaster at Weatherwatch Philip Duncan said he was surprised to hear of the difficulties, because on paper the weather was optimal for balloon flights.
“I’m surprised the wind was a factor this morning because it was mostly very calm.
“A very slight NE [north-easterly] breeze at the moment over northern NZ which is why we didn’t have fog this morning (when it’s still we are much more likely to get fog).”
Pilot of the Remax balloon Chris Bransgrove described the weather as “calm,” but said the lack of wind would only make the flight more difficult.
“The wind is very light.
“We have to be a bit more cautious, because we’re not going too far. We go with the wind.”
Bransgrove has been piloting Remax balloons for more than 30 years, and says the event was shaping up to be one of the better events he has been to.
“We enjoy coming to them because we meet all the other balloonists from around New Zealand and some from around the world.”
International participants of the Balloons of Waikato include Darth Vader from Belgium and Betty Jean Butterfly from the USA, both joining national balloons for the festival.
