THE SCHNEIDER CUP 98

Should your grand-parents had been aviation fans from 1913 to 1931, they would definitely have been Schneider Cup afficionados: the largest competition of its time, the motor for the technological development of the whole industry, and a friendly challenge between nations. This cup gets reborn today, with aircrafts more adapted to our era.

Both aircrafts above have made history, and are Italian: to the left, the MC 72, still today holder of the world speed record for hydroplanes with.... 709.209 km/h... on October 23, 1934 ! To the right, the M 39 which won the Schneider Cup with an average speed of 396,6 km/h in 1926.

In 1913, on the Monaco circuit, France won the first Schneider Cup race at an average speed of 73,6 km/h. The last race in 1931 was won by UK in Calshot (UK) with an average speed of 547,1 km/h. This sacred UK as definitive holder of the Schneider Cup, as it as well won the Venise race in 1927 and the 1929 race in Calshot.

Interesting to know that the Supermarine S.6B who won the last edition would a few years later be the basis of the famous Spitfire.

The historical cup was finally given to the country having won the race three times one after the other. The country that won the preceeding edition was in charge to organize the next race. At that time, the main competitors were France, Italy, UK and USA.

THE REBIRTH Giovanni Gatti (left), owner of a well known aeronautical library in Milano, thought that the boost given to the aeronautical industry by this race could well be reproduced with a modern version of it, more geared towards aircrafts that in the meantime became ultralights. We, at ULM Europe, fully agree, and the 98 race proved that the authorities and the visitors were interested in such a competition. Our only regret was, during this competition, the lack of competitors coming from other countries than Italy, which, we hope, will be present for the 1999 edition.

This event would not have been possible without a very close cooperation, both during its preparation and during the races, with the Italian Air Army. We hence would like here to thank Lt. Col. Silvano Frigero for the excellent security which benefited to all participants. More used to pilot a Jaguar than an ultralight, he was hable to get his first hands-on on the Rans S7... which he evidently liked.

THE 98 CIRCUIT

The Targa Mllo Francesco Agello (name of the MC 72 pilot holding the world record) was held on May 23 and 24 in Desenzano del Garda, on Garde's lake. This allowed to successfully test the organization, with 10 competitors out of 11 registered.

Just like the historical Schneider Cup, this is a triangle speed circuit with handicap, reserved to amphybian or hydro multiaxis ultralights.

There are numerous advantages to that kind of competition:

- The handicap calculation, taking into account both aircraft's and pilot's capabilities, allow any ultralight to take part with a chance to win.

- On the contrary to traditional ultralight competitions, the circuit is entirely in sight of the visitors' eyes. In Desenzano, although no advertisement was made for this race, visitors came, including on a boat that was set in the middle of the circuit.

- The racing places are usually touristic lakes, which draw visitors and the press, allowing sponsors to get an excellent attention to their messages. The whole Italian Press was there as well as the TV during the final race.

- Manufacturers have the possibility to demonstrate the true qualities of their aircrafts, and hence to efficiently promote their products during and after the race. The III, manufacturers of the Sky Arrow, well understood that and presented three ultralights on the start line.

CONT'D: THE COMPETITORS

CONT'D: PICTURES AND RESULTS

CONT'D: NEXT RACES

Copyright ã ULM Europe 1997, 1998, all rights reserved worldwide