Wow, that video did look impressive @simon . I spoke to a competition sailplaine pilot once, he was watching me fly my heli and he was gobsmacked. I started talking to him and apparently he won some international titles of sorts. He said the gs that can be pulled on a sailplane are quite high and it is a very exciting hobby. After our conversation he went to the hobby shop to by an mcpx.. But if i get the chance I think i will take your advice..

 

do it mate, it's the most fun you can have with your pants on
Simon

 

They easily fly in conditions that ground GA
Simon

 

Really? I thought they would have struggled in strong winds. What speeds can they get up to? The wings are so narrow i would have thought quite quick. And what about climate control? I guess no heaters which might be an issue at high altitude...

 

The Nimbus did a 500 km course with an average speed of 306 km (record) - which is faster than the Vne of cessna 172
'A 4DM holds the world record for speed over a 500 km course - 306.8 km/h' from wiki.
They even use jet engines as sustainers - ie pulled up, then use the jet engine to sustain alt.
The wings are thin and they are as slippery as frack, check out this, they hold heaps of water in the wings to go faster (better renyolds number) - this clip is awesome.
Simon