Hovercraft racing with the HCGB.
Racing in the UK comes in two forms; inland, where the events are help up and down the country at statley homes, Farms and country parks and coastal events that are held on courses that use the sea and beaches around the coast.
Hovercraft racing is a truly breathtaking sport. It's fast and exciting both to participate in and to watch. Our courses are arranged so that specators can get a great view and the drivers get a challenge.
Inland racing.
The HCGB organise a national racing championship, contested over six to eight racing meetings around the country each year.
A typical day at a race meeting will start with a "Driver's Briefing" where the race director will explain the details of the day's racing, any relavent information about the course or matters that have arisen during the preivious day's racing. After the briefing and when the Rce Director is satisfied that everything is in place, the formulae are called forward for practice.
There will be a break after practice where it is usual for members of the public to be alowed into the paddock area to view the craft and talk to the drivers.
Lunch break over and the racing starts in ernest. Again it is split in to Forumlae although it's not unusual to group some together.
After the first block of racing there will be another break and again it is usual for members of the public to come in and see the craft.
The second block of races follows the same format as the first.
Coastal Racing.
The first Coastal Hovercraft Racing Championship was launched in 2006. Like the inland championship it takes place at venues around the UK.
These venues offer different terrain and different “support acts”.
Some are part of large scale public spectacles; some are low key hovercraft only events and some are.. well, in between.
At some of the events there will also be the opportunity for cruising after the racing.
The series is open to all craft complying with the current cruising construction regulations and will be run with two classes- Open and F35.
As these events take place in the sea and on the shore the craft must be able to cope with a variety of challenging courses including mud gullies, rolling sea swells, waves and breaking surf.
At many of the events there are other exciting things going on… Powerboat racing, aerial displays, firework displays, side shows, fun fairs, food stands of all varieties, beer tents, live music- the list is endless!! So come along and join the fun.
Find out more.
See our events page for details of what's coming
up and where.