Pilots DSGP — Sailplane Grand Prix

The DSGP Pilots

Jeroen Verkuijl has been flying since 1991, accumulating countless memorable moments in the air over the past 33 years. He considers the Sailplane Grand Prix a fantastic format for competitive flying. After previously participating in a GP in France, he is excited to take part in the very first GP in the Netherlands.

Plane: JS-MD 3
# IGC ranking: 12
Country: The Netherlands

Tijl Schmelzer has been gliding since 1998, but his journey in the cockpit began much earlier— as a baby on his father’s lap while his grandfather piloted the aircraft. With approximately 3,600 flight hours, soaring has been an integral part of his life from the very start.

Competing since 2001, Tijl has represented Belgium in numerous regional, national, and world championships as part of the Belgian Gliding Team. >> Read more about Tijl on our DSGP Facebook page or Instagram page

Plane: Ventus-3TS
# IGC ranking: 153
Country: Belgium

Roelof Corporaal started gliding at just 14 years old, beginning his gliding journey at the Friese Aero Club in Leeuwarden. Now, at 36, his passion for soaring remains as strong as ever. Since joining the Gelderse Zweefvliegclub at Terlet in early 2020, he has expanded his cross-country flying experience, made many new friends, and discovered a love for instructing new glider pilots. Flying over the breathtaking Veluwe landscape continues to be a privilege he deeply appreciates.

Plane: JS3
# IGC ranking: 122
Country: The Netherlands

Tobias Meiler began flying gliders shortly after turning 14, meaning he has been flying for nearly 30 years. The Dutch Sailplane Grand Prix is an exciting new opportunity for him, as he loves the Grand Prix format and has never flown in the Netherlands before. Although this will be his first time soaring through Dutch skies, Tobias has already shared many great moments with Dutch pilots in the past.

Plane: Ventus 3Ts
# IGC ranking: 408
Country: Germany

Hermann Leucker started gliding in 1973 at Kamp-Lintfort, close to the Dutch border, earning his license in 1976. With decades of experience, gliding has become a central part of his life, and he regularly competes in Grand Prix events.

Hermann particularly enjoys the international aspect of the Grand Prix format, as it enables him to meet fellow pilots and explore local gliding communities abroad. He has previously flown in Grand Prix competitions in the UK, Poland, Sweden, and Italy and organises a Training Grand Prix each spring at his home airfield in Leverkusen.

Plane: JS3
# IGC ranking: 116
Country: Germany

Sebastian Beule began gliding right after his 14th birthday and has since logged over 3,000 hours in the cockpit. He competes in the Dutch Sailplane Grand Prix for practical and competitive reasons. The competition takes place close to home, in familiar and easy terrain, and fits nicely into his schedule. But beyond that, he’s eager to gain experience competing abroad.

While he doesn’t have a specific goal, his main focus is to enjoy the competition both in and outside the cockpit. Of course, scoring points is always part of the game, but he also looks forward to improving his skills by flying against such talented pilots.

Plane: Ventus 3M
# IGC ranking: 391
Country: Germany

Stephan Grunder has been soaring through the skies since age 15 and has been a dedicated member of the Twentsche Zweefvlieg Club since he first started gliding in 1988. Over the years, he has developed a passion for both competition flying and instruction, two aspects of the sport that continue to inspire him.

For Stephan, the competitive element of gliding makes racing so exciting. Competing provides a thrilling challenge and offers the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. In recent years, he has also grown to enjoy long-distance cross-country flying, expanding his appreciation for gliding beyond just competition.

Plane: ASG29E
# IGC ranking: 309
Country: the Netherlands

François Delfosse started gliding 30 years ago, accumulating around 2,500 flight hours over the years. Unlike many of his peers, he began relatively late. In 2001, he started cross-country flying at the age of 22, and by 2008, he entered his first competition. His dedication and passion for the sport eventually led him to compete at the 2016 World Gliding Championships in Benalla.

Competing in a Grand Prix has long been a goal for François, as he believes the format aligns perfectly with his flying style. It encourages a more aggressive approach, rewarding bold moves over cautious waiting, and outlandings carry fewer penalties than traditional racing. He's eager to experience the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of the competition firsthand.

Plane: JS3
# IGC ranking: 83
Country: Belgium

Peter Millenaar’s passion for aviation started early—so early that he couldn’t wait to begin gliding. He started flying at Hoogeveen in 2001 at just 12 years old, making his first solo flight on his 14th birthday. His gliding license arrived in the mail two weeks before he turned 16, and by 17, he was already competing. Since then, he has participated in eight European and World Gliding Championships and continues to enjoy every moment in the air. When he's not flying gliders, he works as a Captain on the Boeing 747, travelling the world.

Plane: JS3 JET
# IGC ranking: 33
Country: the Netherlands

THE PILOTS & THE ORGANIZING TEAM OF THE DUTCH SAILPLANE GRAND PRIX

The DSGP Pilots

CONTACT: info@sgp.aero

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