How fast does a glider go when its in flight?

Question

We have just had a 'flock' of them above us.

Answer 1

Soaring speeds vary according to axis, temperature, and altitude.

Answer 2

In a dive they can achieve about 80 knots

In straight flight, not nearly so much

Answer 3

Most gliders have a speed range 25 - 80 mph, modern high performance models can reach 150+.

Answer 4

Depends very much on the glider and what the pilot is up to. Usually the pilot is flying slowly, looking for lift, often wafting around below 50mph, often much less. The competition boys with purpose built machines and water ballast can get up to as much as around 150 knots/165mph in the dive for the line at the end of a race.