Ballito’s Red Flamingoes soared into third place at the 2025 Red Bull Flugtag in Cape Town on Sunday, marking a triumphant return after a 13-year hiatus.

Led by Cape Town pilot Edward Yeo and supported by Ballito-based ground crew Derek Everitt, Timothy Lyle, Shaun Joffe and Cuan Rootman, the team launched their human-powered aircraft off a six-metre-high platform at the V&A Waterfront’s Jetty 1.

The team last competed in 2012, narrowly missing out on a podium finish in front of a record crowd of 220 000. Their original flight reached 16 metres and this year; they edged ahead with a 16.3-metre effort.

Competing against 42 teams from across South Africa, the Red Flamingoes were judged on distance, creativity and showmanship. Defending champions Thunderstruck claimed first place with an impressive 19-metre flight.

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“I’m so stoked with the result!” said Rootman.

“Red Bull sets incredibly high standards, so to win a trophy here is special.”

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. “After a stressful few weeks and a hair-raising quayside assembly, it all came together. Some rivets let go during load-in, but the crew pulled it together and we launched in grand fashion,” said Rootman.

Beyond the flight, the team raised over R50 000 for Sables Animal Rescue, supported by their sponsor Digit FMS – blending engineering spirit with heartfelt impact.

“We are thrilled to have exceeded our fundraising goals,” said Rootman.

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