Cross Channel Hovercrafts

[Del Boy]

Found this BBC article about the threat of destruction of the last of the cross channel Hovercrafts.

Cross Channel Hovercraft Under Threat

[Bomber]

I thought all passenger hovercraft services had ceased years ago.
I went on one as a kid across to the Isle of Wight on a windy day.
It was an experience to say the least. We watched it coming in - sideways! Literally.

[The Saint]

In 1984 I went on the Princess Anne across the channel, I was only 8 at the time and they were kind enough to let me and my dad into the cabin before we set off, the driver let me sit on his lap, I recall I had to press a button, it seemed really exciting at the time!

The Saint

[Bomber]

You look great for your age!

[Athene Noctua]

I live on the Kent coast, and was lucky enough to be there that day on the 'pad' when the last one departed. It was a tremendous thing, made a terrific noise and chucked up loads of spray. Probably unenvironmentally friendly, but just a great sight and sound to witness. For a long time, the last one was parked up next to the functioning one, and cannibalised for parts.

I still miss seeing (and hearing!) it roaring into the western docks. For a long time (and I think it's still there), they left a full size red propeller from the craft down on the pad when the rest of the site was razed to the ground.

In the mid 90's I went on a trip to the sandbank called the Goodwin Sands just off the Deal coast; they are only exposed at certain tides. The hovercraft went there, 'landed', people had a few hours there, when they were submerged by the channel, the craft took off again. (Worryingly, we were one person down on the return trip!!).

Be nice if they can save the last one, mind you, it's so massive where do you put it?!

[The pad was used in that Top Gear ep when the lads launched waterborne cars (Jezza had the pick up with an outboard motor).]

[Del Boy]

I remember watching them arrive and depart Pegwell Bay Ramsgate as a lad. Always wanted to go on one but never did.
I'm sure it can be saved in some coastal area. It's been done for other ships.

[Lord Brett Sinclair]

I've travelled on all methods of transport over the years except one, the hovercraft. With a number of journeys across the channel and hundreds of crossings to the Isle Of Wight not once has my secretary or butler ever booked me on a hover.

I think I'll have to try it on my next jaunt to the Island.

Of course, when it is Cowes week I always arrive in my own Gin Palace.

Lord B.

[Del Boy]

Feb 5, 2016 21:43:53 GMT Lord Brett Sinclair said:

I've travelled on all methods of transport over the years except one, the hovercraft. With a number of journeys across the channel and hundreds of crossings to the Isle Of Wight not once has my secretary or butler ever booked me on a hover.

I think I'll have to try it on my next jaunt to the Island.

Of course, when it is Cowes week I always arrive in my own Gin Palace.

Lord B.

Thats a shame Lord Brett because its a lot less bover with a hover.

[Ministrone]

There's a petition to save the Princess Anne. I've signed it but they need 25,000 signatures.

www.change.org/p/homes-and-communities-agency-save-the-princess-anne-the-last-remaining-srn4-hovercraft-for-the-nation