A Meaningful Return: Flying for Jon at the Italian Grand Prix

28/05/2026, Varese, Italy - Yesterday, the skies over Varese opened once again. Following two days of profound silence and reflection, the pilots of the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix made a deeply personal and unified decision to return to the grid. The familiar rush and intense countdowns were absent; in their place was a calm, quiet, and peaceful atmosphere. The objective was no longer purely about points or podiums, but a shared purpose: returning to the air to honor our dear friend, Jon Gatfield.

Eight pilots took to the skies, finding comfort in the invisible currents that Jon loved so deeply, with seven of them electing to fly the day's designated task.

A 227 km Tribute in the Italian Sky

Task 3 took the fleet across a 227km course over the breathtaking ridges of the Lombardy region. As the tow lines released and the wings leveled out, the flight became a silent tribute written across the clouds. The pilots flew with remarkable grace, sharing thermals and demonstrating the pure, unyielding beauty of unpowered flight.

While the overarching focus of the day was camaraderie and remembrance, we acknowledge the exceptional airmanship displayed by the seven pilots who completed the course.

Luka Žnidaršič, Michael Reiner and Steffen Schwarzer honored Jon by restarting racing, and climbed on the podium.

The Sanctuary of the Sky

As the wheels touched down and the fleet safely returned to the airfield, the atmosphere remained one of profound respect. The pilots and organizers greeted each other as a united family who had just shared a deeply meaningful time.

Yesterday was a beautiful day to restart doing what we love the most. The sky is a our Arena, and the Varese grid honored Jon’s memory exactly where he would have wanted us to be. Fly high, YO. 🤍