Aero Club Adele Orsi (ACAO) is pleased to announce that in Jume 2027 it will host the
“WORLD CUP MIXED TEAM 20m SGP”,
The Team 20m World Cup is a groundbreaking international race, introducing mixed-gender teams into sailplane competition history
A New Mixed Gender Concept
Each team will include one male and one female pilot, potentially from different nationalities.
This new format aims to:
– encourage greater female participation in competitive gliding,
– strengthen the global profile of the sport,
– highlight teamwork and strategic collaboration through a team-based scoring system.
The presence of a women -man team, as in other sports and even in the Olympic Games, conveys the idea of an inclusive and truly global community.
Competitions and Sailplanes
Each team will fly a 20m class double-seater sailplane, with a maximum take-off weight (MTOM) of 800 kg, both pilots must hold valid sailplane licences and an FAI competition licence
Races will take place over closed courses of approximately 200–300 km across the Central Alps and Prealps, chosen for their thermal conditions, scenic views, and spectator accessibility. The combination of natural beauty and established infrastructure makes Varese an ideal venue for this world-class event.
Race Format, Awards & Media Coverage
The championship will take place in June 2027 using the exciting FAI Sailplane Grand Prix format, with up to 20 gliders racing simultaneously.
Each day, tasks are set based on weather conditions to maximize speed and challenge pilots’ strategic skills. All gliders start together on a 5 km line, creating a thrilling spectacle of strategy and speed in the sky.
Points are awarded daily to the top nine teams, with overall winners determined at the end of the championship. Daily achievements will be recognized, and the top three teams will receive awards during the closing ceremony.
High-quality media coverage, including live race coverage via Youtube, sports channels, and other digital platforms, will showcase the action to a global audience, making the excitement of gliding accessible to spectators everywhere.
Varese: The Perfect Alpine Setting
Nestled in the Pre‑Alps, Varese combines stunning scenery, ideal thermal conditions, and 10 years of Sailplane Grand Prix experience, making it a proven world-class venue for high-speed gliding action.
Sustainability Commitment
The 2027 race emphasizes environmental responsibility. Organizers aim to minimize carbon impact, promote renewable energy use, and implement eco-friendly practices in collaboration with local partners. This ensures that the excitement of world-class gliding goes hand in hand with care for the environment.
A New Chapter in Gliding
The WORLD 2027 MIXED TEAM SAILPLANE GRAND PRIX is more than a race – it is a story of innovation, inclusivity, and precision flight, set against the spectacular backdrop of northern Italy’s alpine landscapes. Media, aviation enthusiasts, and the public are invited to witness gliding at its most dynamic and forward-looking.
For more information write to segreteriaeventi@acao.it
