August 2013 by 'Sarah Gill

HOVERCRAFT Light

August 2013

The official magazine of the

Hovercraft Club of Great Britain www.hovercraft.org.uk

Rotax & Wiseco Parts Digatron Engine Monitoring

Engine Repair & Maintenance

The Hov Pod is a 3-seat factory assembled personal leisure cruising hovercraft Commercial craft available

No kits available, sorry

Online shop for parts & consumables

www.conairsports.co.uk service@conairsports.co.uk

01295 771088

www.hovpod.com

LightHovercraft

sales@hovepod.com

UK and World Championship Winning Hovercraft

Junior

Formula 3

Formula 503

Standard self assembly hull kits from £1185 hulls can be tailored to your specifications with a range of material combinations for improving strength, weight and impact resisting properties, ask about Venoms’ ‘flextech’ high impact laminate

VENOM composites

For friendly help and advice.. Tony

07855 737 160 www.venom.co.uk

Manufacturer and supplier of Hovercraft, kits and parts Design & Construction in Composites Mould and pattern work Bespoke engineering services 0779 3807073

SERVICES We are now the European distributor for

2 - 7 seat robust cruising

Stockist for Miller Race Oils, 2 & 4 Stroke

HASCON WING

For prices or details please see our web site or contact us for a current catalogue A range of spares and products will be on sale at race meetings Vortex PREDATOR F1 World Champion

Hovercraft sales www.vortex.org.uk

Vortex STORM LE F2 twin engine

Vortex STORM F3 UK & World Champion

sales@vortexservices.net

Vortex STORM LE F35 Sports / Leisure

Parts, spares & online sales www.vortexservices.net

LightHovercraft

“

August 2013 ust for a change I find I have an apology to make…. It’s the Chiltern Branch

not the Chilton Branch; I’m only a lowly engineer by trade so hopefully that should explain all!! We can only kick off with the recent meeting at Claydon House. As to keep in with the previous three National Meetings, the weather-ordering department within the Chiltern’sBranch hit the spot once again, with the sun finally showing its face on Sunday. The fabulous back drop to the circuit with the grand old house standing proudly on the hill proved to be another exciting, intriguing and enjoyable weekend for the HCGB. With 50 plus craft once again turning up to swell the grids, our fantastic membership again defied the 17

recession to put on a show for the general public. There are too many highlights to list, but very few will surpass the Open Race jousting between the Raider F1 Team and Tony Goldney. Between Les, Slap and Tony very little was left in the locker with the lead in the races changing numerous times, all being undertaken at break-neck speed. The Juniors and Novices, as always had to get involved with both Sarah Foster and Sam O Sullivan both finding the edge and beyond, both rolling their craft, and not to be out done Russ Pullen decided to join the party rolling his F2 on the water exit. I believe all involved had nothing more than bruises to show for their efforts, and a pile of fibre classing waiting at home for them!!! For me it was a weekend of frustration, at Chomondeley, the 503 didn’t quite feel right, but I applied the rigid and strict Team Nationwide maintenance programme, the ‘bang it in the trailer, it’ll be reet’ policy, but during the second race on Saturday the newly fitted rev counter was showing a drop off in the revs, similar to the issues at Chlomondeley. Just going back to the rev counter, a health warning should be supplied with this item, as I’m finding I spend more time looking at the rev counter than where I’m going, a little worrying me thinks! A compression test showed the lump was getting a little tired, however I continued on, only to find in the first race Sunday the revs had dropped off good and proper and I was more like a rolling road block (floating road block… either/or). Enough was enough and I disappointingly called it a day, and took in the racing and sun for the rest of the day. Saturday night also saw the Annual Fancy Dress Competition, as the party poppers we are in Team Nationwide we didn’t take part or attend, and to be honest I think we were all tucked up in bed by 10.00pm, its all Rock N Roll with us…. But it was good to see the club members joining in and giving it a good old go. I don’t think Claydon House has seen so many migrating penguins before, and a special mention should go out to Bernie Hook in his Polar Bear costume… I think the photos circulating on Facebook say it all!!! It’s been a busy old time since Claydon in the hovercraft scene, with a healthy number of Brits making the journey over the channel to Prudhomat for the recent EHF Meeting. Following hot on the heels of this came the Irish Cruise, and The Rhone Raid, again with club members scattering themselves across UK and Europe to attend. I think more intriguing the South Korea International Hovercraft meeting came and went, with a clutch of the World’s best descending upon South Korea to compete. Our very own Les Bran, Nick Drew and Bernie Hook made the trek across to participate. I’m certain there will many tails to be told of life over there and hovercraft racing South Korean style!!! Right I’ve an engine to bring back to life and some piston rings to order in time for Fawley!!! Enjoy the magazine!!

Send in your articles to

Darren and Sarah.

magazine@hovercraft. org.uk

Editors magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft

Contents 06 Diary It’s a date 07 Chairman’s Desk The latest update from our chairman Writen by our Vise Chairman 08 Points of the season so far Claydon House

10 Race Report Cholmondeley Castle (Race Control) 12 Race Control Important notice 14 You can race this hovercraft Daniel Turnbull Round Five Gang Warily

16 Prodhomat France Kevin Eastwood 18 Prodhomat France Callum and Abi Beale 20 Photo Cometition Clive Mason 22 MHA Model of the month 18

23 Chiltens Chit Chat Makyla Greaves 24 Merchandise Jo Discoll 26 Hovercraft for sale www.hovercraft.org.uk

Cover pic: Sam O’sullivan Photo taken by: Rhiannon Black

LightHovercraft

Diary2013 AUGUST 17-24 North West Highland Cruise Lochcarron, Isle of Skye www.hovercraft.org.uk AUGUST 24-26 National Race Meeting Gang Warily, Fawley www.hovercraft.org.uk AUGUST 31-1 EHF Race Meeting Flottsboro, Sweden www.hovercraft.org.uk SEPTEMBER 7-8 National Race Meeting Rother Valley, Sheffield www.hovercraft.org.uk SEPTEMBER 21-22 National Race Meeting Towcester Racecourse www.hovercraft.org.uk OCTOBER 5-6 Possible Race Meeting TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

Whilst every attempt is made to keep calender items up to date, some calender items may alter after print or the Editor is not made aware of changes-please check relevant UK or European websites for most up to date calenders. If you know of any changes or updates, or wish an event to be listed, then please contact the Editor at magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft Published by The hovercraft Club of Great Britain Ltd www.hovercraft.org.uk Editors Darren Clarke Sarah Gill

Advertising Rates Issues 1 3 Size 1/4 pg £9 £26 1/2 pg £17 £49 Full pg £33 £95

Distribution Roger Allman Tel: 07765 303755 Contributions Last date for contributions is the of a month.

LightHovercraft

Printed by ADH printing 2 Boyne Rise Kingsworthy Winchester Hants SO23 7RE

20th

12 £95 £184 £357

Contact the Editor for details at magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

Small adverts are free to HCGB members and run for three issues unless reqested otherwise. The opinions expressed in any item or article in this magazine are those of the contributor. They do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain Ltd. The entire contents of Light Hovercraft are copyright and permission to reproduce any part must be sought from the Editor. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, we do not accept any responsibility for any inaccuracy.

The Chairman’s Desk Chapter Twenty Six

Small ads small ads are free to members and run for three issues unless requested otherwise FOR SALE OSPREY 5 For sale OSPREY 5, white hull + seating some red trim, skirt in good condition. New radiator, with 12 warranty. Peugeot petrol engine. Little use, very good condition. C omes complete with 4 wheel, Hayling Trailers purpose built braked trailer. Ready to cruise . OFFERS IN THE REGION OF £4995 ono. Kevin Juggins Mob : 07977810228 FOR SALE HIRTH 2705 R06 2 stroke engine 65 HP, Dual ignition, Pull start, complete with Hirth 3.16:1 gearbox reduction drive, Hirth exhaust, Rotax after muffler, rectifier only had 87 hours use - £550 ono Colin Gates, 01227 792461 or 07795 410160 e-mail colin@gates51.wanadoo. co.uk

“

In Loco Parentis always think it should mean “having kids will drive you mad”,

but in this case our Chairman has been rushing around doing hovercrafty things and does not have the time to put pen to paper for this bit of the magazine, so I’ve been drafted in as Vice Chairman to fill the gap. It’s ironic really because we try to leave August free of racing events so that members can get involved with other things. Chris has been away in Ireland on the Raid, and last weekend was a pivotal part of the event at Bruntingthorpe where a number of our members took hovercraft along to give rides and fly the HCGB flag. I believe he has finally taken a break from hovercraft to take a holiday in Italy – but I wouldn’t be surprised if he found an excuse to visit some EHF friends whilst over there. Since the last Magazine we had a great weekend racing at Claydon House, the EHF meeting at Prudhomat was well attended by HCGB drivers, the Irish Raid and the Rhone Raid have taken place – both staunchly supported by HCGB members, and the Korean International race meeting took place, with many of our WHF, EHF and HCGB friends taking part (I’m looking forward to the stories from that one!) – not bad for the off season I’d like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and admiration to Dan Turnbull; he has taken Barry Staples’ legacy of Scrapper to a new level with his fleet of loan craft, getting new members involved in racing by giving them the opportunity to “try before you buy”, but also making them available for driver training, and (as Sarah was very grateful to experience at Claydon) as a loan craft when things go wrong. We were very grateful for the unhesitating offer to use the craft when we would otherwise have had to call an end to our racing for the weekend, and at the same time surprised at just how much the craft was in use – it barely stood still for more than 5 minutes at a time, generally when it was being re-fuelled for the next outing. It is a great scheme that deserves support from us all, so I urge you help if you can and if there are unused spares in the shed perhaps you might consider offering them to Dan to keep the Scrapper fleet flying. I hope to see many of you at the next race meeting at Gang Warily.

Kevin Foster

Vice Chairman

LightHovercraft

ROUND FOUR July 20-21 Claydon House F1 no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 1 Daniel Turnbull 25 15 25 25 90 2 Raider F1 20 25 14 20 79 3 Nationwide Fire F1 A 13 20 20 17 70 8 Nationwide Fire F1B 14 17 17 15 63 25 Team Magnet 15 15 13 43 10 Nationwide Fire F1 C 12 13 14 39 319 Conrad Beale 17 17 21 Daniel Newton 11 11 901 Team Castrol 10 10

F2 no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 99 Russ Pullen 17 25 25 13 80 31 Team Polfrey 20 17 20 20 77 47 Wayne Ravenhall 15 14 9 15 53 92 Section4 9 15 10 17 51 71 Kevin Tunaley 11 13 14 11 49 50 Team Goldney 20 25 45 73 Double A Racing 13 13 14 40 100 Team Razor 12 15 8 35 77 Bernie Hook 10 17 7 34 62 James Limburn 14 7 12 33 316 Team Castrol 25 25 39 Phil Jakeman 10 10 20 111 John Cotton 11 9 20 80 Team Wiggin 8 6 6 20 63 Team Buzzwagon 12 12 83 Nice But Dim Racing 12 12 44 Andy Griffith 11 11 40 Wayne Hill 9 9 32 Fred Wilson 8 8 95 Nationwide Fire 503 7 7 130 Team Sweet People 6 6 75 Mark Allman 5 5 48 Team Metzner A 4 4

F3 no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 145 Ricky Goosey 25 25 25 25 100 142 Phil Hall 20 17 20 20 77 143 Francis Morales 17 15 17 17 66 134 Team Broad 15 14 14 15 58 133 Storm Raptor Racing 20 15 14 49 176 Team Finch 13 12 10 11 46 149 Nigel Walton 11 11 13 9 44 177 Andrew Folland 14 13 11 38 165 Abbessick Racing 12 12 13 37 136 Team Knotts 10 9 10 29 181 Michelle Smith 8 12 20 170 Andy Collins 9 9 146 David Atkins 8 8

LightHovercraft

F35 no Team Magnol Cholmo Hacket Claydo season 201 High Cross Racing 25 20 25 15 85 203 Team Saga Louts 20 17 15 25 77 219 Zoe Deacon 15 15 17 20 67 204 Phil Tattersall 17 14 17 48 207 Team Gifford 25 20 45 212 Bearwood F35 13 14 14 41

F503 no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 52 Team Beale 25 20 25 20 90 77 Bernie Hook 20 25 15 17 77 81 Team Drew 12 15 20 25 72 48 Team Metzner A 17 14 17 15 63 73 Double A Racing 15 6 11 14 46 95 Nationwide Fire 503 13 8 13 7 41 106 Razor Too 12 14 9 35 112 Hannah Deacon 14 12 8 34 62 James Limburn 11 7 10 28 83 Nice But Dim Racing 6 13 9 28 80 Team Wiggin 7 9 5 6 27 44 Andy Griffith 17 10 27 130 Team Sweet People 10 11 5 26 41 Team Metzner C 5 12 17 96 Rachael Gifford 10 6 16 75 Mark Allman 13 13 111 John Cotton 2 7 4 13 89 Glen Smith 9 3 12 98 Benn Bristow 8 4 12 45 Team Oakley 11 11 63 Team Buzzwagon 8 8 116 Ian Finch 5 5 43 Team Metzner B 3 3 102 Makyla Greaves 2 2 58 Derek Sweetman 1 1

FJ no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 2 Team Beale 25 20 25 20 90 146 Nils Atkins 14 25 17 25 81 1 Sarah Foster 17 17 20 11 65 134 Christian Broad 15 15 15 17 62 110 Jonathan Stevens 20 10 12 12 54 176 Leah Clarke 13 12 14 14 53 108 Katherine Stevens 11 13 10 15 49 152 Abi Beale 12 11 11 13 47 96 Jake Shaw 14 13 27 185 Cullumpton College 8 9 7 24 8 Team Bristow 10 9 19 15 Bearwood College B 7 10 17 165 Abby Hook 9 8 17 58 Callum Sweetman 9 9 20 Cullompton College B 8 8 102 Honor Greaves 8 8 161 Timmy Burke 6 6

LightHovercraft

Open no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 2 Raider F1 25 25 10 25 85 147 The Flying Normans 17 17 17 15 66 31 Team Polfrey 13 15 20 14 62 133 Storm Raptor Racing 14 25 13 52 47 Wayne Ravenhall 15 12 5 10 42 83 Nice But Dim Racing 14 13 15 42 201 High Cross Racing 10 11 13 6 40 203 Team Saga Louts 9 7 11 11 38 25 Team Magnet 20 12 32 8 Nationwide Fire F1B 11 10 7 2 30 100 Team Razor 8 12 9 29 92 Section4 7 20 1 28 10 Nationwide Fire F1 C 1 3 17 21 50 Team Goldney 20 20 80 Team Wiggin 3 9 8 20 136 Team Knotts 4 6 7 17 62 James Limburn 12 1 4 17 176 Team Finch 6 3 4 1 14 63 Team Buzzwagon 14 14 207 Team Gifford 6 8 14 130 Team Sweet People 8 1 1 10 204 Phil Tattersall 5 1 3 9 99 Russ Pullen 9 9 77 Bernie Hook 1 2 2 1 6 45 Team Oakley 5 5 12 Predator F1 Racing 5 5 1 Daniel Turnbull 4 4 3 Nationwide Fire F1 A 1 1 2 39 Phil Jakeman 1 1 2 177 Andrew Folland 1 1 2 319 Conrad Beale 2 2 134 Team Broad 1 1 149 Nigel Walton 1 1 124 Kevin Thomas 1 1 111 John Cotton 1 1 212 Bearwood F35 1 1 165 Abbessick Racing 1 1 316 Team Castrol 1 1

LightHovercraft

Open F1 no Team Magnol Cholmo Claydo Hacket season 2 Raider F1 25 25 25 25 100 8 Nationwide Fire F1B 17 17 15 20 69 10 Nationwide Fire F1 C 13 20 20 53 25 Team Magnet 20 17 37 3 Nationwide Fire F1 A 14 15 29 12 Predator F1 Racing 17 17 1 Daniel Turnbull 15 15 319 Conrad Beale 14 14

Open F3 no Team Magnol Cholmo Claydo Hacket season 147 The Flying Normans 25 20 25 25 95 176 Team Finch 20 17 17 17 71 133 Storm Raptor Racing 25 20 20 65 136 Team Knotts 15 15 15 45 177 Andrew Folland 15 14 29 165 Abbessick Racing 17 17 134 Team Broad 14 14 149 Nigel Walton 13 13

Open F2 no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 31 Team Polfrey 20 20 25 20 85 47 Wayne Ravenhall 25 15 13 17 70 83 Nice But Dim Racing 17 17 20 54 92 Section4 13 25 9 47 77 Bernie Hook 10 12 12 8 42 80 Team Wiggin 12 14 15 41 100 Team Razor 13 15 13 41 62 James Limburn 15 11 10 36 130 Team Sweet People 14 9 12 35 50 Team Goldney 25 25 39 Phil Jakeman 10 11 21 63 Team Buzzwagon 17 17 45 Team Oakley 14 14 99 Russ Pullen 14 14 316 Team Castrol 11 11 111 John Cotton 7 7 124 Kevin Thomas 6 6

Open F35 no Team Magnol Hacket Cholmo Claydo season 201 High Cross Racing 25 25 25 17 92 203 Team Saga Louts 20 20 20 25 85 204 Phil Tattersall 17 15 20 52 207 Team Gifford 17 17 34 212 Bearwood F35 15 15

LightHovercraft

Race Control

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Catherine Lucas

LightHovercraft

Race Control Signing on is an important part of the racing day to say that ‘the craft I use conforms to the current HCGB scrutineering regulations in force’……When you sign your name you are agreeing to this. 4. On the sheet find the number of your craft, alongside this will be your name (If your name and number is not on the sheet then write them clearly in the first available space). Next to your name are race selection boxes. R1 and R2 are for formula races, O1 and O2 are for open races. Tick the boxes to indicate which races you would like to take part in (only tick the open box if your licence qualifies you to go in an open race). On the Formula two sheet there are two columns, one for F2 and open races and one for F50 races (if you only want to race in F50 make sure you have ticked the correct box).

As some of you may have noticed the format of the signing on sheets has changed slightly this season. This change is intended to make the entire process of signing on run smoothly and quickly for both drivers and Race Control personnel. The signing on process for drivers is described in this simple guide: How to sign on at a race meeting 1. Go to Drivers briefing on time and listen to the Race Directors important information. 2. When the Race Director asks you to sign on locate the signing on board for the formula that you are racing in, usually the person holding the boards will shout out which boards they have (be quick they don’t have them for long). After this point the board you want can be located by finding the huddle of drivers who are in your formula. Please note if you are a Novice driver you need to find the board for the formula of craft you are racing as there is no novice board. If you have an F50 craft you need to find the F2 board as all 50’s also fall into the F2 classification. As the F2 board has a lot of craft numbers it is usually split into low numbers (31 to 81) and high numbers (82 to 130).

5. This step is for drivers in a team only……Talk to your team mate and decide which races each of you is going in, you cannot both tick for the same race and decide who is will race later….doing this will result in starting at the back of the grid because the person entering the data into the computer is not a mind reader and has no crystal ball….Any changes of driver can be made at race control later, preferably in plenty of time before the race. A top tip for team drivers is to write the race number you are entering on your hand so that you can remember which boxes you ticked. If you go out in the wrong race the team will loose their points for that race. 6. After ticking the correct boxes sign your name in the space provided…. Failure to do this will result in you not being allowed on the course during practice, having to go to race control to sign your name, which then has to be countersigned by the Race Director, who could be anywhere on the course, take a long time to get to you, which may result in you missing practice. 7. When you have signed your name, pass the board on to the next driver in the crowd. If you are the last driver to sign, please hand the board back to a Race Control Official. Pleas note….if you make a mistake when signing on, please make it clear what you actually want to do, either by writing on the sheet or explaining to one of the Race Control Personnel what you have done.

3. The writing at the top of the sheet says: I hereby sign to say that I have attended the Race Directors briefing and that I have read, fully understand and undertake to abide by the HCGB competition regulations for the time being in force. I further undertake not to compete in any race, with a hovercraft with any known defect, that could in any way affect the safety of myself, other operators or spectators. I hereby accept the risks of motor sport and agree that no claim shall be made by me or anyone on my behalf against the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain Limited for ant damage caused or injury received at this event howsoever caused. I sign

LightHovercraft

YOU CAN RACE THIS HOVERCRAFT This could be you! Learn to drive, compete, and gain that crucial experience of racing before you purchase your own machine. A craft is available that has been specifically built for new members to have a go at racing. It is a simple single engined craft suitable for new Novices and Juniors, and is available at most race meetings. The skill and insight you gain will be valuable in deciding what type of craft you may wish to build or buy in future. This craft can be brought to all race meetings and comes with a race kit of spares and consumables to see you through a race weekend. You will need to provide: • helmet • buoyancy aid/life jacket • overalls and gloves • petrol • race entry fee • boundless enthusiasm! Hot food and drink are often available on site. Warm waterproof clothing is recommended suitable for the British weather. At least one change of clothes is recommended, you may well get wet. A donation towards the upkeep of the craft is recommended at £50 for a 2 day race meeting. Club Membership and provisional Novice racing Licence will be required. Get membership at www.hovercraft.org.uk, you will need to register, and then add a paid subscription. Buy your Novice racing licence from the Racing Services area in the club shop, which can also be accessed from www. hovercraft.org.uk Any queries contact memberservices@hovercraft.org.uk You will also need to pass a manoeuvrability test before racing. If you would like a go or to find out more, contact Daniel Turnbull Tel 01332 700658 or email danielturnbull@btinternet.com

LightHovercraft

Saturday 24t Au

Paddock

– Monday 26th ugust

Trust test area

Camping

Gang Warily Community Centre

ROUND FIVE August 24-26th Gang Warily To find Gang Warily Community Centre, leave the M27 at Junction 2 and follow the A326 for approximately 12 miles until you reach Hardley/Holbury. Here you will pass the local shops & take-aways on the right. At the first roundabout after Holbury turn right, towards Blackfield. After approximately 300 yards, turn left at the traffic lights and the centre will be seen on your left. HCGB members should drive past the centre and the entrance to the members-only camping area can be found 200 yards further along, on the left just after the car park. Saturday evening you can unwind with a beer in the centre bar and a knock-about in the sports hall – the centre will be laying on a number of things like badminton, table tennis, and 45-a-side football on the hard court (if it’s anything like previous years). Sunday evening nothing official booked, but we hope to use an hour or so after racing finishes for some non-competitive hovercraft use – possibly cadet craft use, rides, driver training and that sort of thing. Also, bring your BBQ food and beer and join us around the hot coals to cook, relax and put the world to rights. The showers in the Centre are available to HCGB members over the weekend for free. Opening hours are limited to 8pm on Friday, 9am - 7pm on Saturday, 8am - 9pm on Sunday and 7am to 10:30pm on Monday. Please be out by closing time! The ground is very hard on this site so bring your strongest tent pegs!! Any queries, please call Kevin Foster on 07899 921605 or email kevin@mhdocs.co.uk

LightHovercraft

2013

PRUDHOMAT FRANCE Kevin Eastwood

LightHovercraft

Thursday 4.30pm leaving Haywards Heath after meeting Wayne who had already driven 198 miles via Bearwood College to pick up the triple trailer with his Predator, mine and Jamie's Raptor, it’s a tad long, Our first stop is for fuel, air for tyres and Halfords for breathalysers… compulsory in France and also headlamp beam deflectors. We have to go into the centre of Brighton to pick up another passenger (Xfactor contestant Juliet Ives) before we can actually get on our road trip... The CD player was a bit naff so she said she would sing the whole way down and back to keep us awake while driving... Hope she's got some good tunes and a good pair of lungs! After an hour trying to get out of Brighton in rush hour traffic we finally get on the way and the cat has certainly been strangled…. If only I was as cruel as Simon Cowell! We arrive at the Port of Dover after a bite to eat with plenty of time before our sailing and now with a very excited Juliet, this was her first trip abroad so you can imagine the loaded spring! Thankfully she has now stopped singing and finally given out ears a rest... Must dig the ear defenders out before we get off the ferry! This was the first time we've been on a myferry.com boat, one of the better ones I might add too! only £135 return with the triple trailer that's less than the fuel to get to get up and back from one of the north race meetings for me! Before we even get off the boat Wayne needs a medic before we even race.. Toilet... Zip... Blood (apparently) and from the expression on his face he wasn’t kidding, I am not

offering any first aid I might add ... just piss taking… anyway …. Ouch! We made a slight diversion to Paris, drove down the Champs-Élysées, past the Arc de Triomphe and on to the Eiffel Tower at about 5am although an impressive stature it wasn't lit up but we did take some photos... Thought we would tell Jamie we left his craft in Blackpool!! Next stop fuel and Prudomat Now you go for miles going to UK meetings and don't see another hovercraft so were a little surprised to suddenly see Team Beale at the tolls who were totally oblivious to the shouts of GREEN ARMY!... Team GB convoy it is then! When we arrived and unhitched the trailer at about 1 pm... It was too hot to do anything to the craft or even put a tent up as one temperature gauge in the village was hitting 44 degrees!! so the best place to be was swimming in the flowing Dordogne river to cool down, crystal clear and very cool, think we'll sort the craft later in the evening and at some point have to get fuel due to the local garage running out of super.... Another dip in the river was called for a bit later, perhaps we should of left the craft behind and just come here to laze around, anyway enough of larking around in the river and floating down over some rapids we dry off in the heat and go to register with all our documents! There is no race entry fee or any site fees either.... So now maybe it's cool enough to unload the craft of which “Calamity Wayne” gets out of because he gets felled by a tiny little wasp sacrificing its life defending itself against this huge oaf!!! Now I don't mind pulling a sting out of the Gorillas big toe but draw the line at any first aid on his zip problem which he is still complaining about, I might add! now If he had been stung down there he would of been on his own!!!! Racing was good and a technical course with 3 lakes well 1 lake split into 2 by buoys down the centre and a transition hairpin and 2 man made puddles so 6 transitions a lap happy days... Spanners were banned according to Jamie as too many were out the week before at Claydon. Sunday he needed a piston and barrel change as some plating had come off and the Honda was a little bit sick. In the end Ricky convincingly won FS with Jamie in 3rd.. In the final FS race David Atkins hit the land transition with such an impact that the craft didn't like so told him to get out! The result in a trip hospital with a broken collar bone!

F2 was dominated by Tony Osterman 1st, then 2nd and 3rd was Magnus Ivanhof and Denis Ragot, Calamity Wayne lost his rear bag skirt in the first race so the heavy GSXR was dragged around, my newly built Polaris was somewhat down on power as I dont seem to be able to find the sweet spot with the tuned engine, unfortunately my first race there was a leak on the head gasket so it overheated after 2 laps which consequently played a part of an engine failure in the final race Sunday, Russ Pullen was off his normal hot pace due to the right handed course so any time he made up on the straights was lost on the 2 hairpins. F1 was won by Miki with Conrad close behind with his new Castrol Eurocraft which had had a Rotax 809 fitted since Grez Neuville, Dan Newton had also come along with his F1 and had been going well until he wore a hole in his floor, Juniors was won by Lucas Hall who had opted to take the faster prototype craft out on Sunday after Callum being too quick and consistent in the venom, unfortunately for Callum in his first race Saturday and half a lap in front of Lucas had to take avoiding action from a back marker but ended up coming off worse! Some of Saturdays racing had to be postponed to Sunday morning due to the horizontal rain after the 40degree heat earlier in the day. While David was in hospital having x-rays to his shoulder, team GB pulled together and got his 2 craft loaded and van packed for his return, Arrangements of ferry times and passengers were changed so I could drive him and Nils home, well the bit though France anyway and then dropped off at the Ravenhall Hilton so Ros could come and pick them up. A long drive threw the night with regular stops to stay awake.... Originally Wayne Hill and myself were sharing our own drive to break up the journey so we could rest and sleep at intervals while the other drove so we did in the end have to stop for a couple of hours as both of us were surviving on red bull and coffee, never a good thing On a whole a good weekend even with breakages! Roll on Sweden .... So who's coming? You know you want to!!! Come on get it booked but make sure there are plenty of drivers for the 24hr slog... Here you will have to book camping or one of the lodges this one wont be free! Signing off for some sleep…. Scuba! Oh and if you get this magazine before Fawley … please Don’t mention to Wayne zips, wasps, stings or Something about Mary… he might get upset ;)

LightHovercraft

2013

PRUDHOMAT FRANCE Callum & Abi Beale

Starting the 6 day weekend with a long drive up to the race site which is 500 miles from the coast of France. This drive was quite an exciting one as we saw lots of French police including one which got out of their car right In front of us and pointed guns into a car that was stopped at the side of the road, the man inside had a dark scarf over his lower face. Also on the night that we slept at the services there was a massive thunderstorm which allowed us all little sleep after 3:00 am. We got there on the Friday and us, Ricky, Jess, the Lewendon's and most other British campers that were there already headed down to the river where we enjoyed the cooling water of the rapids. The racing started with Novices which was a quite uneventful race from the

LightHovercraft

start, then it was juniors and I started off ahead of everyone but then crashing out for half of the laps. The next race was the F50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where a small happened, after that came the F2 race where the 2 Swedish battled for 1st , then came the FS race where Francois Dupont broke his leg leading to a long wait for another ambulance to arrive so the racing could continue. The last race of the session was the F1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where my dad got used to his craft and Dan Newton tested out his fixed engine. The second session started with a storm coming over the horizon. In novices the race was red flagged 2 times causing a long wait for the juniors that then went into the race with the storm nearly overhead, the rain starting to come down as we came to the finish, on the last

lap I took Lucas Hall coming off of the small bit of land to take the win. During the wind-down lap I saw a large fork of lightning strike through the sky. Although everyone was aware of the incoming storm the F50’s still gridded up but then ended up waiting for about 20 minutes for a large amount of rain to pass before having a non-eventful race. The racing then finished for the day as it was almost 7pm. Starting Sunday's racing was the F2’s with the 2 Swedish craft being in the lead for the whole of the race again with Magnus taking the lead near the end, then came the FS’s where Ricky shot off into the lead to win again. The last race of that session was the F1’s which saw Dan Newton almost coming onto the grid late but still keeping his position. The next session again started with the Novices where a

small amount happened, the same with the Juniors but with Lucas staying in the lead using his Eurocraft prototype, then came the F50’s again with them going round the circuit with no problems, the F2’s then raced with Magnus getting third in that race. Ricky then won the FS race again to secure the weekend as long as he went out. The F1’s the went out to end the session, Dan did not come out in this race as he discovered a large hole in the floor of his craft.

and then a long weekend of fun for all of us that went.

Overall the last session was pretty uneventful except a craft being black flagged in the Novices again, as well as David Atkins falling out and breaking his collar bone in the last FS race. All together the weekend was an exciting journey to the other side of France with large trailers on the back ready to race

LightHovercraft

Rebecca Taylor

Photo Competition The winner of the photo comp was picked by Richard Knight ( Paramotor pilot) With no information about any of the pictures or who took which one, Richard selected his two favourites The winning photo was taken by Rebecca Taylor, and the runner up went to Lee Willars the other three entries were by Russ Pullen, Rhi Black & Claire Mason

LightHovercraft

Lee Willars

Claire Mason

Rhi Black

Russ Pullen

LightHovercraft

Model Hovercraft Association Model of the month The Model Hovercraft Association was formed in 2004, with a view to bringing some organisation to the development of model hovercraft, which previously had been well served by relatively isolated pockets of interest. The Association’s activities include lectures and films, videos and other visual material on all aspects of model hovercraft from research, through construction and operating. Visits to locations and firms/ manufacturers of interest, and social events are also organised. The Association is run by a Management Committee consisting of those with experience in appropriate fields. Prior to September 19th 2004, when the MHA was formed, a group of hovercraft modellers had been meeting on a regular basis at the Hovercraft Museum at Lee on Solent, Hampshire, to discuss model hovercraft and run their models. This group, called the Model Hovercraft Group, formed after the successful International Model Hovercraft Seminar held on the 18th/19th October 2003. The group enjoyed several presentations and guest speakers covering several aspects of hovercraft, full size and model. They also constructed a water feature for use during racing days at the Museum as well as a round the pole demonstrator so that children could have a go. The group

felt that as the interest was growing in model hovercraft around the country that a more formal organistion was required and hence the Model Hovercraft Association was created. If you are fascinated by model hovercraft, or hovercraft in general, and you want to join an association of like minded people, you've come to the right place.

• Research, education and discussion on the design, operating and trading aspects of model hovercraft and the understanding of the technical principles involved. • To hold meetings to further the objectives above and to present papers, films, videos etc, and to exchange information. • Regular distribution of a Newsletter. • Establishment of a database and library for books, photographic materials and papers on the history and development of model hovercraft.

With an increasing interest in radio controlled and other model hovercraft, the Model Hovercraft Association was set up to carry the development of this interest forward. If you are interested in any aspect of model hovercraft, whether it be research, design, building, or operating, then the Model of the month Model Hovercraft Association is for you. This is true if you are an Model Name: Furry Leopard skin covered already established expert,or are Hover board just starting out. Following an Inaugural general meeting held on the 19th September 2004 at the Hovercraft Museum, Lee-on-Solent, the Model Hovercraft Association was formed. The principle aims and objectives of the MHA include:• The encouragement of interest in the building and operation of model hovercraft.

Model Scale: Non Scale Model Size: 1 meter long x 45cm wide Number of motors: 2 brushless thrust fan motors. 1 x brushed lift fan motor Power source: 4 x 4600 mah NIMH Batteries Skirt Type: Unique Fleece 25mm fiber skirt

Help wanted - MANAGER OF INFORMATION TRAILER AND MERCHANDISE

Materials: Commercial Bodyboard.

We are seeking a club member with enterprise to take over the running of the information trailer and the sale of club merchandise.

Interesting feature: Lift provided by car aircon dual fan system.

The job entails:- Representing the Hovercraft Club - Promoting Hovercraft Club merchandise and distributing publicity material - Bringing the information trailer to race meetings and other events where possible - Stocking the trailer with suitable merchandise - Having a suitable towing vehicle and storage facility if possible - Dealing with enquiries from the public at race meetings - Keeping the trailer in a clean and roadworthy condition

Build time: 3 months

Rewards of the job:- Continuing the excellent work of the previous manager - Promoting the Club - Increasing Club revenue - Full petrol expenses and insurance cover costs when towing the trailer to HCGB events If you think you might be able to help or would like to know more about the role please send an email to secretary@hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft

Chilterns Chit Chat Makyla Greaves Well, it’s the Tuesday night after Claydon and I can honestly say that it was a fantastic weekend. Friday was a boiling hot day to be setting up the course. It felt like it was a 100 degrees in the middle of the field. All I can say is, the best feeling in the world was to jump into a shower that evening (thanks Charlie). As you may have noticed, my craft was minus an engine to start with, however, this was remedied and by mid afternoon Saturday….the Raptor was complete! A huge thank you to everyone who helped me..you know who you are! For those of you who can go back a fair way, it was great to see Nigel and Pat Beale (aka Conrads Mum and Dad) in the paddock….that really did bring back some memories and it was lovely to be able to have a chat with them. Saturday evening was a roaring success. The fancy dress costumes did not leave much to the imagination…Bernie Hook, David Atkins to name just two. I have never seen so many penguins together outside of a zoo. All of the costumes were very impressive and congratulations to both children and adults who took part in the competition. As far as I am concerned, you were all winners. Prickle as fantastic as ever as the compare for the evening who certainly kept us all entertained until the early hours and the games we were playing were great fun…especially the post it note game. That was enjoyable! Especially as I was in the winning “pants” team! Sunday morning, all set for the day and unfortunately the Novice practice was first which meant Sam O’Sullivan was to be the guinea pig for my creation! Boy did it go. An impressive water to land transition maneourvere made for a fantastic photo (thank you Rhi for being in the right place at the right time and taking such a stunning shot) Then it was my turn….wow…it was fantastic…I cannot begin to tell you! Time for the first Novice race….Sam was at the back of the grid as hadn’t raced on the Saturday but soon soared

towards the front and before we knew it, after a superb race, he won…excellent news. First place in his first race in the Raptor….awesome! We couldn’t wait for him to take off his helmet to see the grin on his face. My race next…all going good, getting used to the handling of the craft… amazing is all I can say! Second Novice race of the day…Sam got off to a good start and was in second place very quickly then before we knew it he was in first…excellent…then, hit the bumps very enthusiastically and ended up upside down which wasn’t the best of places to be. Sam was ok albeit a bit shaken…the craft needs a band aid and some sticky back plastic to get it ready for Fawley but all fixable! Now to hide that footage from Honor who is on holiday in South Africa….nope, too late she had wifi in the middle of the safari and watched it. That same section of the course saw a few drivers have a mishap and just shows the determination and guts that the drivers have across all different formula’s to perform excellence and aim for the top! More successful racing on the Sunday and also the increased outside temperature made for some more thrills and spills which made the racing extremely exciting for the spectators. It was our very own Tony Goldney’s 21st Birthday on the Sunday as well which he shared with Christian Broad…Happy Birthday to you both. From the Chiltern Branch there were great successes from the weekend, Abi Beale came a fantastic 6th place. She had a fabulous weekend and deserved the result that she achieved…well done Abi. Team Raider also had a good result, well done Les and Slap as did Team Beale, both Conrad and Callum and Team Drew, Nick Drew. John Cotton was also out there flying the flag for the Chilterns Branch. Claydon was always going to be emotional for me, especially this year and prize giving proved that I was still to have

a tear in my eye. Thank you so much for Barry for stepping in (actually being dropped in it at the last minute) to present the award that my late Uncle so wanted to do himself. The award for someone who had contributed exceptionally to the Claydon meeting carrying out those tasks that are taken for granted, the unsung hero who possibly goes un noticed by a lot of people. This year, Prickle and I got our heads together and agreed that although there are many worthy recipients, it would go to Sylvia Stevenson who tirelessly carries out task after task and whose efforts go un noticed as there is no real outcome except the smooth running of the event. It is those efforts that David wanted to recognise and I carried out my promise that this would be done. I am sure he would have a smile on his face up there looking down on what was a totally memorable weekend. Thank you to everyone who helped to pack the course away on the Sunday. It is a large course and all of us at the Chiltern’s branch really appreciate the help that is provided. Thinking caps on now for our theme for next year…..just how can we get even more impressive fancy dress costumes next year….OMG what am I saying…. Bernie and David…please leave something to the imagination next year! So, moving on now to Fawley in about 4 week’s time (from me writing this), let’s hope that the sun continues to shine and another successful weekend is had by all. I am going to get on with my sticky back plastic and carry out a bit of a repair and look forward to another bank holiday weekend at Gang Warily. Good luck to everyone venturing (actually who have ventured), to France and hopefully you will be able to fly the British flag in style and see you all down in sunny Fawley very soon. Our next branch meeting is at a different location. We are meeting on Tuesday August 6 at Towcester race course to finalise detail and check the site over in readiness for our last race meeting of the year, an end of season party. Any further info needed, please get in touch.

LightHovercraft

Prices of HCGB Logo Merchandise Soft shell jackets – black or navy - £35.00 including embroidered club logo on breast & back Fleece zipped jackets – all colours - £22.50 including embroidered club logo Hoodies – all colours (other than orange) - £ 20.00 including embroidered club logo Ladies fit short sleeve T shirt – all colours – £12.00 including embroidered club logo Ladies fit long sleeve T shirt – all colours - £15.00 including embroidered club logo Men’s short sleeve T shirt – all colours - £12.00 including embroidered club logo Men’s long sleeve T shirt – black only - £15.00 including embroidered club logo & printed logo down right sleeve Unisex short sleeve polo shirts – all colours - £15.00 including embroidered club logo Unisex long sleeve polo shirts – all colours - £17.00 including embroidered club logo Baseball Cap - £7.50 including printed club logo Woolly hat - £7.50 including embroidered club logo Fleece hat - £7.50 including embroidered club logo Kids Hoodies - £14.00 including embroidered club logo on breast Kids Zipped Fleece Jackets - £14.00 including embroidered club logo on breast Kids short sleeve T shirt - £6.50 including embroidered club logo on breast Mouse Mat - £6.50

All-in-one race suits – navy – N/A Two piece water proof sets – black - £25.00 Puncture repair kits - £1.50 Kids ear defenders - £7.50 Ear caps – £1.00 Lipsyl - £1.50 Sun cream - £3.50 The Hovercraft Story Book - £8.50 5 Postcards in frame - £22.50 4 Postcards in frame - £20.00 Powered Model Kit - £15.00 Combat force Hovercraft - £3.50 Logo Pens – 40p Thermal Mugs –£6.00 Mugs – £7.00 Key rings –TBA Wrist bands - £1.00 Umbrellas – £15.00 Cotton Shopping Bags – £5.00

Only available to HCGB members Hoodies – orange - £20.00 including embroidered club logo, own name printed on right breast (optional) and HCGB Marshall on back. Unisex short sleeve T shirts – orange - £7.00 including printed club logo Sweatshirt – orange - £17.50 including embroidered club logo, own name printed on right breast (optional) and HCGB Marshall on back

LightHovercraft

Hovercraft for sale F3 Meteor Racing Craft Fully recondition hovercraft currently being carried out, available in any colour that the customer would like, integrated hull fitted with standard TZR 250 engine. Brand new set of skirts fitted. This can be built to any spec wanted. Price depends on spec wanted. From £1700 upwards Call Ricky Goosey: 07875335702 For Sale – Mr Bump Lee Willars built, modified Eagle Racing Hovercraft Elegantly finished as Mr Bump Built and raced in 2012, finishing 3rd Overall in F50 Hull, Engine Frame, Steering, Splitter Plate, Fuel Tank and Skirt only (No Engine) Two careful owners, c/w HCGB Log book and very minor ‘war wounds. Engine frame to suit Rotax 503 c/w Gearbox. Stick an Engine in and your ready to race!! Collection only - £1,500.00 Contact Clive Mason Mob – 0772 9783989 Email – clivemason33@yahoo.com

local branches most of the local branches meet regularly, normally in a pub, to sit around and chat hovercraft or organise an upcoming meeting or event. feel free to contact them and they will be more than happy to welcome you along to the meetings.