Franky Zapata: French inventor successfully crosses Channel by hoverboard
Former Jet Ski champion made first attempt last month, before plunging into sea after 10 minutes
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Your support makes all the difference.A French inventor has successfully crossed the English Channel on his jet-powered hoverboard after a previous attempt failed last month.
Franky Zapata made the 21-mile crossing between Sangatte in northern France and St Margaret’s Bay in Dover in just 23 minutes on Sunday morning.
The 40-year-old former jet ski champion fell into the sea while attempting a mid-point refuel during his first effort on 25 July – but he completed the challenge second time round with no hiccups.
He told waiting crowds: “Frankly, this feels magnificent.
“There were no problems this time. I’m tired. I’m not on holiday, but I’m elated. Thanks so much my team, and to my wife.”
The self-styled Flying Frenchman travelled at a speed of up to 87mph during the journey and largely stayed 49ft above the water. He came in to land at 7.39am.
The invention’s backpack carries enough kerosene to power about 10 minutes in the air meaning Mr Zapata had to land briefly on a boat platform to refuel during the sea crossing. He used a bigger platform after last time’s calamity when he tumbled into the water from the station.
Before setting off he had said he had a 50 per cent chance of success: “We want to follow a little bit in the footsteps of the pioneers of aviation,” he told gathered reporters.
The invention itself won global acclaim when it was unveiled during Bastille Day celebrations in Paris this year.
Mr Zapata had been given a grant of more than £1m from the French government to develop the device.
Now, after the successful sea crossing, he hopes his device will one day enter commercial production, as a revolutionary piece of military hardware.
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