Monday November 21st

The CFWR is going well.  Despite intermittent weather holds.

After successful 56-ways on Sunday, the first attempt at the 49-way base went up this morning.  The base 9-way is completing in 1:40 and the base 16-way in 2:05.  Speeds are becoming faster as people learn their slots.  We are well on the way for the next record!

Those not in the base were practicing (and having a lot of fun!) with either Kirk van Zandt or Kees Tops.

Now, if we can get these gale-force winds to slow down a bit, we'll be good to go!


Tuesday November 22nd

The group was grounded Monday afternoon with high winds and clouds but the day was not wasted.  Several safety and other seminars were given with much information shared.

Today started up early and all 3 of the groups got to jump before the high winds rolled in and we were grounded again.  The weather is looking better for the rest of the week and we plan to keep growing the formations.

The goreigners have seemed to greatly enjoy all the quality time they've been spending at WalMart and the local mall but beyond that, it hasn't been particularly exciting - well other than the chalk artwork on the pavement!

Wednesday November 23rd

We are struggling with the base today, whatever we do, nothing seems to work and, as is often the case, people become frustrated and this can exacerbate the situation.

The smaller groups also had some issues - Gauda broke rher leg on an off landing and the 36-way had a spectacular wrap whiich left Liz with a sprained ankle and Steve with some spectacular line burns.

Thursday November 24th

Again, there have been some troubles with the base and the organizers are still working the glitches out.  Mike Lewis stepped down  from and Chris Gay stepped in to the piloting position (wearing 90lbs of lead!).  The first 64-way was sent up earlier this afternoon but the combination of a malfunction in the base and clouds rolling caused it not to succeed.

Things are looking up though and we will continue to grow!

The pilots and the organizers met late this afternoon to discuss the final points on how to achieve a four plane formation that has never been attempted before.

The lead CASA will go up to 18,000 feet (with oxygen), the two Otters will be following at 15,000 feet (with oxygen) and pass on either side of the (hopefully) already built base and the trail CASA will come in at 12,000 feet and climb above the building formation with the jumpers exiting just before the formation (see photograph above).  For additional safety (and an additional set of eyes) one Otter will remain at altitude to help guide the trail CASA.

Friday November 25th

Having crept closer and closer to a world record all day some minor changes were made and the four plane formation took off for sunset load.

Everything came together!  The timing altitude corrections for the planes that had been made throughout the day came to fruition and the team of jumpers came together to complete an 81-Way in 9 minutes and 12 seconds (from the time Chris left the plane until the last legal grip was taken on Mike).

Thankfully the Judges didn't keep us waiting long and, in world record time, they had examined the photographs and video evidence and a new WORLD RECORD was declared to much cheering!

Saturday November 26th

After a good evening at the banquet and partying afterwards everyone was ready when the first load went up early this morning.

The first every row 10 wings were hung by Wendy and Taz.  The wings pulled back and the formation flew in spectacular fashion to break our own record which had stood for less than 15 hours!  The 85-Way was built at the first attempt and completed in 9 minutes and 46 seconds (from the time Chris left the plane until the last legal grip was taken on Annie).  It was held for 17 seconds!

The Judges took slightly longer declaring this record but, int he end, another NEW WORLD RECORD was announced!


Once the formation was built:

Taking the height measurements from the canopies down the center line and heights of those indiciduals, the formation was:
276 feet tall (give or take a foot or two!) and
175 feet wide there was approximately a foot between each canopy).

According to the Sunday/Monday weigh ins and Chris wearing 90 pounds the 85-way weighed
17, 552 pounds.

That's BIG - not surprising that Miami Air Traffic Controllers were able to watch it on their screens!