Croatia Hot Air Balloon Open Championship - Prelog 2026
Prelog, Croatia
Sanction Granted
Section 6 - Additional Information
Official Event Website:
https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=croatia2026
Event Prizes Offered and Details:
Total fund of 1750 € (1st place: 1000 €; 2nd place: 500 €; 3rd place: 250 €)
Opening Ceremony:
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Closing Ceremony / Prize Giving:
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Country Admission Conditions:
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Preferred Place of Entry & Closest Major Cities:
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Local Language:
Croatian
Location Description & Characteristics
General Description:
The competition area is centred on Međimure regions with two designated CLA-s One in in town of Prelog, a small lakeside town (pop. ≈ 8 000) and the other is in sports airfield near Čakovec both in Međimurje County, northern Croatia. The terrain is part of the broad, flat Drava River flood-plain, characterised by mixed agriculture and extensive water surfaces of Lake Dubrava.
Geographic Position:
Competition map centre (WGS-84): 46.395010951473694, 16.500832909225924
Topography:
Mountains
None within 15 km; surrounding terrain ≤ 200 m ASL
Sea
150 km distant; no maritime influence
Lakes
Lake Dubrava (17 km² reservoir) dominates SE sector – useful visual reference, restricts landings
Rivers
Drava River flows W–E along southern boundary; minor channels & levees
None within 15 km; surrounding terrain ≤ 200 m ASL
Sea
150 km distant; no maritime influence
Lakes
Lake Dubrava (17 km² reservoir) dominates SE sector – useful visual reference, restricts landings
Rivers
Drava River flows W–E along southern boundary; minor channels & levees
Landing Areas:
Open fields (≈ 60 %) – post‑harvest stubble of wheat, barley, rapeseed in late August provides ample free landings.
Row‑crops (≈ 25 %) – maize + sunflower at full height; avoid damage.
Pasture & cattle (≈ 10 %) – small paddocks with electric fences, mainly north of Prelog.
Wooded patches / riparian belts (≈ 5 %) – willow & poplar stands along Drava and drainage canals.
Common Launch Areas:
Row‑crops (≈ 25 %) – maize + sunflower at full height; avoid damage.
Pasture & cattle (≈ 10 %) – small paddocks with electric fences, mainly north of Prelog.
Wooded patches / riparian belts (≈ 5 %) – willow & poplar stands along Drava and drainage canals.
Common Launch Areas:
Main villages around the flying area:
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Other Description:
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Common Launch Areas:
Marina Prelog (CLA1) - 46.324477058036486, 16.598694279509235
Pribislavec airfield (CLA2) - 46.395373, 16.50047
Pribislavec airfield (CLA2) - 46.395373, 16.50047
Landowner Restrictions:
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Meteorological characteristics
Weather conditions:
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Prevailing winds:
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Temperatures:
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Sunrise:
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Sunset:
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Airspace Structure & Limitations
NOTAM Description:
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Flight Limitations:
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Number of PZs expected & Descriptions:
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Competition Area Altitude Limitations:
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Competition Area Dimensions:
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Competition Map Details
DATUM:
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Scale:
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Grid Lines:
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Paper Size:
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Electronic Version Available:
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Electronic Version File Format:
JPEG
PNG
Other:
Driving Particularities:
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Road Network and Infrastructure:
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Venue Description, Coordinates & Characteristics
Competition Center:
Prelog Business Hub
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zDFMKoHhebwufag7A
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zDFMKoHhebwufag7A
Briefing Facilities:
Large lecture hall with surround sound, projector, air conditioning and tables for competitors
Media centre:
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Internet connection:
free and available on site
Social activities:
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Other:
Openning Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Night Glow Event
Concerts
Food court
Excursions
Closing Ceremony
Night Glow Event
Concerts
Food court
Excursions
Competition Staff
Stewards
Name, country, email:
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Attached CVs:
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Chief Scorer
Name, country, email:
Valdemar Mlakar
Attached CVs:
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Chief Debriefer
Name, country, email:
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Attached CVs:
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Technical Support Officer
Name, country, email:
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Attached CVs:
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Travel & accommodation arrangements for officials
Travel Arrangements:
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Travel Arrangements:
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Travel Allowances:
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Vehicles Provided:
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Type of Accommodation:
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Meals Provided:
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Other Information / Remarks:
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Scoring Program
Scoring Program:
WatchMeFly Scoring
Special Arrangements and Assistance for Competitors
Details:
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Equipment Limitations:
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Special Safety Requirements:
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Insurance Requirements for Competitors and Details
Insurance Type:
Third party
Third party
CSL
Third party