First, there are many others with greater experience in SGP. I have now done 3.5 Grand Prix. Seminole Lake a few years ago (informal series), and then the FAI SGP events at Ionia, USA, Horsham, Australia and last week at Orlando, USA.

The FAI SGP format limits the pilots to 20. This seems wise. More than 20 would be crowded. I have very much enjoyed the 10-15 we have had in Ionia, Horsham and Orlando.

For other similar SGP racing formats (such as the "Nephi Games" this summer), I believe that the answer depends on the skill level of the pilots and the location of the event/flying conditions. Higher stronger, more. Lower, weaker, less. Other tweaks could be made such as increasing the length of the starting line, encouraging opportunities for separation at the start by providing options for the pilots in terms of choosing their first clouds or terrain feature to shoot for upon starting.

Huge numbers in one heat are not really the goal, quality, and fun is. If you had 60 gliders who wanted to fly SGP, I would prefer to do 5 waves of 12 sorted by pilot skill level and/or glider handicap, etc and then separate each start by 10 minutes.

I am also thinking of a new format. Match racing. 2 gliders, SGP format (starting line, countdown start, assigned racing task, finish line).

Sean