Allerton Race Meeting
2019-05-04 - 2019-05-06 | Allerton, Allerton Park Estate, Knaresborough, HG5 0SE, United Kingdom

Hacketts Lake Race Meeting - European & UK Championship
2019-05-25 - 2019-05-27 | Hackett Lakes Race Meeting, Sandy Ln, Holme Pierrepont,, Nottingham, NG12 2LD, United Kingdom

Rother Valley Race Meeting
2019-06-08 - 2019-06-09 | Rother Valley Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ, United Kingdom

Possible Race Meeting
2019-06-22 - 2019-06-23
HOVERCRAFT RACING
It’s fast and exciting both to participate in and to watch.
“The Most Fun You Can Have With An Engine!” Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear.
The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain organises a national racing championship, contested over six to eight racing meetings around the country each year. These meetings are usually held over a weekend or bank holiday weekend and take place up and down the UK, courses made up of both land and water sections.
During a racing weekend there will be a set of practices each morning and one or two blocks of racing in the afternoon. As part of the weekend members of the public will be invited into the paddock (pits) to take a look at the hovercraft and have a chat to the drivers, mechanics and families.
Hovercraft Racing is a very family friendly sport with many roles to keep all the family happy, such as Marshalling, Mechanics, Spectators and Racers! In recent years the Junior formula has grown from strength to strength, a great sign for the future of the club.
Typical day

Drivers’ Briefing
Practice
Break (Paddock open to the public)
Racing – Set 1
Lunch (Paddock open to the public)
Racing – Set 2
UPCOMING EVENTS18 Jul 2026HCGB Gang Warily Race Meeting – 2026Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Newlands Rd, Southampton Google Map18 Aug 20262026 – WORLD HOVERCRAFT CHAMPIONSHIPS – WHITTLEBURY !Whittlebury Hall, , Google Map26 Sep 2026HCGB Whittlebury2 Race Meeting – 2026HCGB Whittlebury2 Race Meeting – 2026, , Google Map WHY JOIN?Member benefits

Participation in events
eMagazine
Local branch meetings and events
Reduced site fees at events
Driver licensing
Hovercraft registration
Members only Facebook forum
CLUB ROLESTV / TechnicalTV / TechnicalCraft RecoveryCraft RecoveryScrutineersScrutineersRace ControlRace ControlMarshalMarshalMechanicMechanicRacerRacerSpectatorSpectator RACING FORMULASFormula 1Formula 2Formula 3Formula 35Formula 50OpenJuniorNovice Formula 1 Hovercraft are the fastest and most exhilarating out there on the course!
It requires great skill to race one of these machines! Normally with 2 engines, one for lift and one for thrust. They have upwards of 160hp thrust which are normally 2 stroke snowmobile engines! Although. you will find some that have 200+hp if you have deep pockets to buy them and keep them maintained. The top craft can achieve 0-60 in under 4 seconds over land and water, with speeds that can reach over 80mph.
Under the current regulations neither novice or juniors are allowed to race them.
No hovercraft have brakes!
Hovercraft in Formula 1 are not limited by capacity or horsepower, meaning effective power to weight ratio is essential. Formula 2 in recent years has proved to be a competitive formula with both integrated and twin engine hovercraft competing against each other. An integrated craft is a single engine craft that provides both lift and thrust.
At the 2016 World Championships there were 26 formula 2 craft in the field, so with some very tight close racing there isn’t always space to manoeuvre away from the thrust air in front of you.
Their top speeds are touching 70mph and although don’t accelerate as quick as the F1’s, around some of the courses will give some of them a run for their money.
Formula 2 racing craft are limited to 750cc 4 stroke or 600cc 2 stroke. Juniors are not allowed to race these craft. Formula 3 racing hovercraft are restricted to 250cc 2 stroke or 500cc 4 stroke. Formula 3 craft are often lightweight and powered by motorbike engines. It is a competitive formula suitable for an entry level hovercraft which could also be used in the UK Junior Championship.
Formula 35 racing hovercraft are limited to a combined horsepower of no more than 35hp. Engines are light industrial 4 strokes which are quieter and more fuel efficient than any of the other formulas. F35 can be used as a junior craft and many are also suitable for using as cruising craft making them a great all rounder. More and more F35 craft are being built and raced each year, an exciting and upcoming formula.
Formula 50 is limited to a single fan and a Rotax 503 engine (variants also accepted). The engines must be standard but the hull itself can be anything with a single fan. Formula 50 is a very tightly contested formula providing great racing both to watch and participate.
Open races are just as serious as the main formula but add a bit of fun for the racers. It is open to all craft except Novice and Juniors.
You would think that the F1’s would walk away with everything but this is not always the case as it’s not all about acceleration and speed. It’s also about reliability and at the end of the year when the points have been totalled up Formula 50 and Formula 2 hovercraft tend to dominate this formula.
A Junior Racer is between 11 years and 16 years old. To race you need to have passed a handling test and verbal questioning of the understanding of the racing rules. At each race meeting you get to practice the course and if you are confident enough you race other juniors in a normal length race twice a day. You will have sessions with an experienced young adult racer to mentor you through the season. Racing as a junior is friendly, you always apologise for impeding another racer and you help each other out if you can. Your engine power needs to be limited and you are also limited as to which engines you can use. Essentially they are either Formula 3, Formula 50 or Formula 35 engines craft.
Novice racer, you can be 16 to 61 plus, usually you are a complete novice but sometimes you are up against returning drivers whose licence has lapsed. You must have passed a manoeuvrability test and answered questions on the racing rules and procedures. You get a practice session to learn the course and two races a day. Each race is 10 minutes plus a lap. You can use any type of craft except formula 1. You need two good seasons after completing Novices in a fast craft before you can upgrade. To complete your novice racing you need to complete 15 races in two seasons, marshal 10 races, and have your last 5 races reviewed by the Race Director and if he is satisfied you are given your full licence and can move up into the formula your craft is built for.
Register Now
Join the Club by clicking on the button below.

Join the Club RACE PROGRAMMESATURDAY

08:00 Course Inspection (Assigned Officials Only)
08:30 Scrutineering
09:00 Marshals’ Briefing
09:15 Drivers’ Briefing
10:00 – Practice Sessions
Formula 50 / Formula 3 / Formula 35 – 15 minutes
Formula 2 / Formula 1 – 15 minutes
Novices – 15 minutes
Junior & Colt Practice – 20 minutes
Open Practice (F35, F3, F50, F2, F1) – 15 minutes

PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC

13:00 – First Set of Races
Formula 50 Race
Formula 3 / Formula 35 Race
Novice Race
Junior Colts Race
Formula 2 Race
Formula 1 Race
Junior Race
Open Race

PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC

15:30 – Second Set of Races
Formula 50 Race
Formula 3 / Formula 35 Race
Novice Race
Junior Colts Race
Formula 2 Race
Formula 1 Race
Junior Race
Open Race
SUNDAY & SUBSEQUENT DAY(S)

08:30 Marshals’ Briefing
09:00 Drivers’ Briefing
09:30 – Practice Sessions
Open (F35, F3, F50, F2, F1) – 20 minutes
Novice Practice – 15 minutes
Junior & Colt Practice – 20 minutes

PADDOCK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

11:30 – First Set of Races
Formula 50 Race
Formula 3 / Formula 35 Race
Novice Race
Junior Colts Race
Formula 2 Race
Formula 1 Race
Junior Race
Open Race

PADDOCK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

14:20 – Second Set of Races
Formula 50 Race
Formula 3 / Formula 35 Race
Novice Race
Junior Colts Race
Formula 2 Race
Formula 1 Race
Junior Race
Open Race
Course dismantling

Prize giving (Approx. 20 minutes after last race)
Please note that all times are approximate and subject to chance RACE SITES
Race Events

JOIN THE CLUBCONNECT WITH US INTRO VIDEO

Tarcento Italy - European Race Meeting
2019-06-22 - 2019-06-23 | Tarcento, Italy, Tarcento, Italy

Towcester Race Meeting 1
2019-07-06 - 2019-07-07 | Towcester Racecourse, Towcester Racecourse, London Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6LB, United Kingdom

Towcester Race Meeting 2
2019-07-20 - 2019-07-21 | Towcester Racecourse, Towcester Racecourse, London Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6LB, United Kingdom

Starlight Day - Popham Airfield
2019-08-07 | Popham Airfield, Popham Airfield, Coxford Down,, Winchester, SO21 3BD
WEDNESDAY 7th AUGUST 2019
The Starlight Childrens Foundation’s biggest event of the year will be held at
Popham Airfield, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, SO21 3BD on Wednesday 7th
August 2019.
Many volunteers come along to entertain critically and terminally ill children
and some bring their aircraft, helicopters, classic and sports cars, buses, fire
engines and the like to give rides.
For over ten years, the Southern branch, together with other members of the
HCGB, has supported this charity by giving rides in their hovercraft.
The Southern Branch is inviting anyone to join us who would like to give rides
to these children or to just come along to assist those that can. Many children
are expected and we want to ensure that there are enough of us to give them all
a great time. We well know what a rewarding and inspiring day it can be to
meet these young people and it makes a real difference, not only to them but
also their families.
Would you like to help?
Please contact us on 01425 610775 or 07711 560347 or
email: robertf.beech@btopenworld.com
Many thanks
Bob Beech

Gang Warily Race Meeting
2019-08-24 - 2019-08-26 | Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Newlands Rd, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1GA, United Kingdom

Possible Race Meeting
2019-09-07 - 2019-09-08, 2019-10-05 - 2019-10-06, 2020-06-06 - 2020-06-07, 2020-07-18 - 2020-07-19

Saalburg Germany - European Championship
2019-09-07 - 2019-09-08 | Saalberg, Saalberg, Germany

Flottsbro Sweden - European Championship
2019-09-14 - 2019-09-15 | Flottsboro, Flottsbro, Sweden
We kindly ask all drivers & guests to register & reserve your Saturday night dinner tickets for Flottsbro 14-15 September, use this link for more info & register online:
http://swedenhovercraft.se/flottsbro-2019

Link for Cabins at Flottsbro: https://www.flottsbro.se/sv/boende/#googtrans(sv|en)

We need your registration before 31/8, thanks

We look forward to see as many of you as possible

Best regards

Magnus

Magnolls Farm Race Meeting
2019-09-21 - 2019-09-22 | Magnolls Farm, Magnolls Farm, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3RF, United Kingdom
Welcome
The North West Branch welcomes you to the final round of the 2019 UK Championship here at Magnolls
Farm in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire.
A mostly land based course with a small lake. This course features undulating terrain with quite steep
inclines. A fast-flowing course with the notorious ‘Telegraph Pole Hairpin’ to catch out even the most
experienced drivers!
Getting there
Sat Nav: Post Code – BB5 3RF
From the West:
M62/M61/M6/M65, Head East on the M65, at junction 5, take the A6077/B6232 exit to Shadsworth
0.4 mi <- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A6077
0.2 mi -> Turn right onto Blackamoor Rd/B6231
1.2 mi <- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Haslingden Rd/B6236
0.5 mi <- Turn left and right onto Haslingden Old Rd
100 ft -> Continue to the end of the road and follow to the right.
From the East:
M62/M66/M65, Head west on M65, at junction 6, take the A678 exit to Blackburn N Cent
0.8 mi <- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A6119/A678
0.3 mi <- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Whitebirk Rd/A6119
0.4 mi ^ Continue straight onto Shadsworth Rd/B6130
443 ft <- Turn left onto Bank Ln/B6236, continue to follow B6236 Haslingden Road
1.0 mi -> Turn right and right again onto Haslingden Old Rd
100 ft -> Continue to the end of the road and follow to the right.
Public Admission Prices:
£3.50 per person or £10.00 per car (up to 5 people)
Under 16’s FREE
Please Note, No card/cash machines are used on site.
SATURDAY
08:00 Course Inspection (Officials Only)
08:30 Scrutineering
09:00 Marshals Briefing
09:15 Drivers Briefing
10:00 – Practice Sessions
F50 / F3 / F35 – 15 minutes
F2 / F1 – 15 minutes
Novices – 15 minutes
FJ / Colts – 20 minutes
Open (F35, F3, F503, F2, F1) – 15 minutes
PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC
13:00 – First Set of Races
Formula 50
Formula 3/F35
Novice
Junior Colts
Formula 2
Formula 1
Juniors
Open (F35, F3, F50, F2, F1)
PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC
15:30 – Second Set of Races
Formula 50
Formula 3/35
Novice
Junior Colts
Formula 2
Formula 1
Juniors
Open (F35, F3, F50, F2, F1)
SUNDAY
08:30 Marshals Briefing
09:00 Drivers Briefing
09:30 – Practice Sessions
Open – 20 minutes
Novice – 20 minutes
Junior & Colts – 20 minutes
PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC
11:30 – Third Set of Races
Formula 50
Formula 3/35
Novice
Junior Colts
Formula 2
Formula 1
Juniors
Open (F35, F3, F50, F2, F1)
PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC
14:20 – Fourth Set of Races
Formula 50
Formula 3/35
Novice
Junior Colts
Formula 2
Formula 1
Juniors
Open (F35, F3, F50, F2, F1)
COURSE DISMANTLING
PRIZE GIVING
Approx. 20 minutes after last race
All times are approximate

Halbendorfer Lake Weisswasser, Germany - European Championship
2019-10-05 - 2019-10-06

AGM and Social Weekend - POSTPONED
2020-03-21 - 2020-03-22 | AGM, Hilton Hotel, 100 Watering Lane, Northampton, NN4 0XW

Marshal Training Weekend 2020 - POSTPONED
2020-04-04 - 2020-04-05 | Axceler-8, Axceler-8 Hovercraft Centre, Welford Rd, Sibbertoft,, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ, United Kingdom

Allerton Race Meeting - POSTPONED
2020-05-08 - 2020-05-10 | Allerton, Allerton Park Estate, Knaresborough, HG5 0SE, United Kingdom

Saalberg EHF Race Meeting
2020-05-16 - 2020-05-17 | Saalberg, Saalberg, Germany

Hacketts Race Meeting UK & EHF- POSTPONED
2020-05-23 - 2020-05-25
EHF – Saturday & Sunday

Towcester Race Meeting 1 - POSTPONED
2020-06-20 - 2020-06-21 | Towcester Racecourse, Towcester Racecourse, London Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6LB, United Kingdom

Italy EHF Race Meeting
2020-06-27 - 2020-06-28 | Italy

Rother Valley Race Meeting - POSTPONED
2020-07-04 - 2020-07-05 | Rother Valley Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ, United Kingdom

Gang Warily Race Meeting - POSTPONED - Racing to return 2021
2020-08-29 - 2020-08-30 | Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Newlands Rd, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1GA, United Kingdom

Marshal Training Weekend - 2021
2021-04-10 - 2021-04-11 | Axceler-8, Axceler-8 Hovercraft Centre, Welford Rd, Sibbertoft,, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ, United Kingdom

Rother Valley Race Meeting 2021
2021-07-10 - 2021-07-11

Rother Valley 2 Race Meeting 2021
2021-08-07 - 2021-08-08

EHF Piestany Race Meeting
2021-08-14 - 2021-08-15
