Worthing Birdman: Records tumble again as Ron Freeman claims £10,000 jackpot

RON FREEMAN’S record flight yesterday was enough to secure the £10,000 Birdman jackpot today as strong winds prevented flyers from gliding towards the jackpot 100 metre line (Sunday, July 13).

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Jul 2014, 15:59 BST

Ron Freeman, record 159m distance at Worthing Birdman SUS-141207-142054001

Blustery conditions meant serious competitors were forced to fly in line with the pier, towards the beach, meaning they could not compete with yesterday’s money-winning forward distances.

Tony Hughes did, however, break the record for the furthest flight distance at 204.5 metres, nearly gliding onto the beach in the process.

The crowd cheered on Mr Hughes, who flew a forward distance of 117 metres yesterday, as he walked his craft out of the sea.

For once, veteran Northumberland competitor Ron Freeman could not match his rival, registering 168 metres along the same line.

He will pick up a cheque for £12,000 later for the jackpot flight and winning the Condor class.

For the full story, see the Herald, out Thursday, July 17.

See the website shortly for a video of the day’s events.

Northumberland