Quote :-
Of course there are 110+ pilots at the European Championships, who
would =
not want to attend when you have sponsors paying for everything, free
use o=
f gliders provided by manufacturers, accommodations at 4star hotels,
air co=
nditioned facilities for pilot meetings and lounges, ground crews
provided =
by the organizers that do everything for the pilots, catered meals, free
bo=
oze and much much more. Plus you have a set rules to follow that the
US fo=
lks do not understand.

I cant speak for other nations but the uk pilots:-
Have very limited sponsorship, typically this pays for the ferry and fuel
to get to the event.
Use their own gliders.
Stay in their own tents.
Meeting rooms might be provided by the organisers to all competitors.
Provide their own crews.
Buy food and refreshment like anyone else.
you read the rules like any other competitor.

Incidentally our club has a typical grid launch at the weekends of 40 -
80 gliders. plus winch launches plus club aerotows. The 18m Nationals
and Laham regionals will have a combined entry of about 90 gliders.