10/11/2026 - BONA BONA, SOUTH AFRICA - After missing the opening two days of competition due to international commitments in Germany and the United States, local favorite Uys Jonker made a sensational return to the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Series 13 at Bona Bona. Flying a flawless tactical race on a fast-paced 317.4 km task, Jonker captured maximum points in Race 3, conquering the course in 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 31 seconds at an average speed of 152.9 km/h.
Grid Build-Up and Race Preparation
The morning began with a comprehensive weather briefing from Jason, outlining a dynamic 318 km task designed to keep the fleet closer to Bona Bona across six technical turnpoints:
TP1: Migdol
TP2: Ottosdal
TP3: Bona Bona
TP4: Gloudina
TP5: Makwassie
TP6: NewCSouth
To elevate fan engagement, SGP media operations deployed an additional ground receiver station for Race 3, and fans could follow the Social Media channels to tune into immersive, unedited cockpit audio as Phillip Jonker narrated his thoughts in real time right off the start line. Meanwhile, pre-launch grid interviews finally put to rest the paddock's burning question: Uys Jonker's conspicuous absence on Days 1 and 2 was fully accounted for by his overseas travels, as CEO of Jonker Sailplanes.
A Blistering 317 km Tactical Showdown
The start line officially opened at 11:45 UTC, unleashing a dense, highly competitive 16-ship grid into productive thermal conditions. Climb rates predominantly sat between 2.4 and 3.3 m/s, with the strongest thermal cores punching up to 5.0 and 6.3 m/s.
Unlike the survival-oriented crucible of Race 2, Race 3 turned into a high-speed drag race where all 16 starters successfully completed the course. Average speeds across the field ranged from 131.0 km/h to 153.1 km/h. However, maintaining such relentless velocity left zero margin for error, catching several pilots out on altitude floors and triggering minor penalties.
The decisive break occurred on Leg 5, the crucial stretch returning toward Gloudina, where thermal quality fragmented and the field experienced its widest speed spread of the day. While some pursuers bogged down in lower-energy air, Jonker navigated the transition with surgical precision, posting a stellar 152.0 km/h leg split that cemented his winning margin.
Podiums Decided by Seconds and Precision
Crossing the finish line just 27 seconds behind Jonker, Laurens Goudriaan secured second place (8 points) after a relentless charge. Oscar Goudriaan rounded out the podium in third (+0:40, 7 points), closely followed by Dirk Windmueller in fourth (+1:06, 6 points).
Maintaining high speeds into the finish chute proved hazardous for several top competitors who dipped below the mandatory 1,620-metre QNH altitude floor:
Arne Boye-Moller crossed fifth on raw time but incurred a 76-second penalty, slotting into fifth overall for the race.
Katrin Senne picked up a 60-second penalty, placing sixth.
Attie Jonker absorbed a 148-second penalty, finishing eighth.
Klaus Kalmbach faced a combined 130-second penalty for an early start and low finish.
Overall Championship Standings After Race 3
With three intense rounds in the books, the general classification has tightened dramatically at the top. Katrin Senne continues to hold the overall yellow jersey with 19 points, though her lead has narrowed under mounting pressure from Oscar Goudriaan (17 points).
Looking Ahead: Warm-Up for Race 4 Tomorrow
As the SGP Bona Bona fleet enjoys a brief evening de-brief, the paddock is already buzzing with anticipation for Race 4 tomorrow. Uys Jonker’s explosive return proves that no pilot can be counted out, and the psychological momentum has shifted across the airfield.
With weather patterns expected to maintain dynamic thermal activity over the North-West Province, Race 4 will test tactical adaptability, risk management, and stamina as the championship reaches its midpoint. Expect the leading contenders—Senne, Goudriaan, and Karow—to adopt more defensive covers, while late-charging winners like Jonker and Gerster push the tactical envelope from the start line.
Tune in live on the SGP channels tomorrow for pre-grid interviews and cockpit action!
