Miami Teams Build Flights for Bayfront Park Crash

Thirty teams will launch hand-built machines into the air this Saturday at Bayfront Park. The goal is to travel as far as possible over Biscayne Bay before hitting the water. The event takes place on the day after Halloween. Local groups are preparing devices that range from artistic displays to engineering experiments. All entries are expected to end with a splash.

The competition, known as Red Bull Flugtag, has a history of informal rules and high-flying ambition. Miami personality Mr. Red will host the event. He noted that while some craft achieve distance, most fall short. He guaranteed, however, that every team will create a splash. The judges will score participants on three specific categories. These are flight distance, creativity, and showmanship.

Teams are already finalizing their designs. One group, the Cuban Flyer, is building a large sandwich structure. They plan to wear guayaberas and Panama hats. Daniel Figueredo, a team member, said they will carry fake cigars. He described the build as the world's largest Cuban sandwich. The group is partnering with Sanguich restaurants and the 'A Day in Miami' podcast. Figueredo stated the project aims to be a spectacle as much as a flight.

Another team, composed of FIU engineering students, is focusing on structural integrity. They call themselves Team IEEE. Felix Fraile, a student on the team, explained that they are designing for the worst-case scenarios. The goal is to keep air flowing around the wings rather than through them. A student who helped build the team's website said they used simulators to test flight paths. The group is cutting weight from the frame to improve lift. They are using triangular members for stability. Alex Miranda, a host, asked if they were considering weight. Fraile confirmed they are trying to remove as much mass as possible.

A separate group is preparing a performance element. Felix Fraile said his team will dance to Pitbull's song 'Damn, I love Miami.' The members will wear bald caps and fake suits. Daniel Figueredo joked that he will be praying on the way down. Eduardo Moya, a teammate, said the pilot has good life insurance. He confirmed this with the pilot's wife. The group expects to beat local rivals, though they acknowledge the world record may be out of reach.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. this Saturday. Viewers can watch for free from Bayfront Park. The event is being hosted in Miami for the first time. Teams will launch from a 30-foot ramp. The ramp is positioned to send craft over the bay. The judges will watch from the shore. The video of the event will be available online after the live broadcast. No further schedule changes are reported.

Participants are told to expect wet conditions. Alex Miranda asked if towels are ready for the pilots. Eduardo Moya replied that the pilot will have cold, wet underwear. The teams are currently in the final stages of construction. The ramp is being set up at the park. The judges' scoring sheets are prepared. The event is set to proceed as planned this weekend.