In Groveland, Florida, USA, the Rigid and Women Hang gliding World Championships were declared opened on May the 17th at the sound of a Bluegrass band during a very laid back ceremony where cockatoos, alligators and… the pilots were the stars. Today, May the 18th, the first tasks will be flown: 123 km for Class II (Swift and others) gliders, 110 km for Class I (regular hang gliders) and Class V (Atos and other rigids).