Last weekend, the Aeronauts of Monaco took part in the 35th International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Mondovi (gala evening on Monday).
Three extraordinary days where sport and spectacle came together, for the pleasure of the eyes and the delight of the locals… present in large numbers around the Aéroclub de Mondovi, as elsewhere in the Piedmont town.
The hot-air balloons and international crews gathered for the occasion managed to tame the sometimes difficult weather conditions to exploit the right slots and fly several times during the weekend.
The Monaco balloon, so dear to Alain Cruteanschii, stood out from the rest, proudly representing the Principality on the ground and in the air, sometimes at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres.
Organisation of a Monaco balloon flight:
– The team arrives at the launch site with the balloon and the tools needed to set it up.
– Deployment of the Monaco balloon, inflation and start of heating…
– Once all the necessary elements have been checked, the balloon is put into flight, with the pilot + passengers in the gondola.
– During the activity, there is constant contact with the teams on the ground and the route is followed in real time by the club’s official vehicle.
– Landing chosen in a suitable location, according to the decisions made by the pilot. Genuine teamwork, until the balloon is completely packed away, using the appropriate method.
– END OF OPERATION and return to the Aero Club.
Following the potential pre-take-off briefings (with all the crews) conducted by the event organisers, the local weather allowed the Aeronauts of Monaco to fly over Mondovi three times, between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening.
And that’s not counting the ‘night shows’, when some of the hot-air balloons invited to the Festival had the privilege of taking to the skies (this time without taking off) as night fell on the main assembly site… in front of the local councillors and several hundred delighted spectators.
A festive moment suspended in time… where the colours of the Principality shone out in an exceptional way.
Alain Cruteanschii, President of the Aeronauts Club of Monaco:
“With our close ties to Mondovi, I think it’s important for the Monaco balloon to be available for what is, historically, the first festival of the year. It’s a great moment of fraternity and exchange with our Italian friends.
I’m delighted to come back each time and take part, if only out of respect for the organisers, who always give us a warm welcome.”
There’s no doubt that the Monaco balloon has not finished shining in the Piedmontese sky…
*The Aeronauts of Monaco are members of the Mondovi Aero Club.
