Hover Bover

Summary

A record of the first international hovercraft championships held in England. The event venue is Stanford Hall at Stanford on Soar in Nottinghamshire. A film made by Syd Pearman.

Year:

1982

Duration:

0:13:57

Film type:

Colour / Sound

Genre:

Documentary

Master format:

16mm

Description

The film includes interviews with the event's chief marshal, Roy Smart, and Keith Smallwood. Roy explains how he got into the sport while Keith describes the two different types of hovercraft used in racing: the two engine craft, which uses one engine to create thrust and the other lift and the integrated craft, which uses one engine to do both.

During the documentary we initially see preparation work being conducted on the crafts in the 'paddock' at Stanford Hall before races begin. This is followed by footage of races; on both water and grass (includes 'bedstead corner' - a point in the course in which craft pass between two trees that have matresses tied to them). A motorised go-kart is used to recover damaged and broken down craft. After the races repairs are conducted in the paddock. At the end of the day Lord Braye of Stanford Hall presents trophies to the winners of the races.

Finally, racers strap their crafts to trailers and drive out of the car park.


Credits

Produced by Syd Pearman


Notes

The commentary states that this is the first time that an international final has been held in England.