Hovercraft Club of Great Britain

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

Liverpool Sailing Club Cruise
2019-05-11 08:00 - 2019-05-12 17:00 (Europe/London) | Liverpool Sailing Club
Weekend cruise from Liverpool sailing club 11-12th May LW 11:20 and 12:30

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

Cruise - South East Branch
2019-04-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
Potential cruise time and location to be confirmed. Contact organiser for more details

Marshals Training Weekend
2019-04-13 - 2019-04-14
HCGB Marshal Training Weekend
Your club needs you!
Last year, as many of you are aware, we appealed for marshals to come forward so that racing could continue. Obviously, so that racing can happen, we need a core of marshals we can call upon to ensure the safe running of our sport.
Without the help of our army of “orange”, we could not enjoy the thrill of watching our colts through to F1 in all their glory.
We need your help!
We are asking you all to look at the situation carefully. Drivers, mechanics, family members, past and present marshals, juniors turning 14 years old this year, friends of family who could become members and anyone else we have missed out. Please come and join the marshalling team.
There is no better way to watch racing than from the marshals’ viewpoints.
Even if you cannot do a whole weekend at a race meeting, doing parts, half days here and there, helping with support in whatever way you can, we need you all.
The weekend of April 13/14th 2019 has been arranged for a marshals training weekend.
It will be at Axceler-8, Leicestershire. It will be a chance to catch up with friends, learn about marshalling procedures, learn new skills, refresh your skills.
More details will follow, to all those who respond. Please come and be part of a fantastic team, as we said, every little helps, as much or as little as you can.

Council Meeting
2019-04-13, 2019-01-26

Cruise - South East Branch
2019-03-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
Potential cruise organised by the South East Branch. Location and time to be confirmed, contact organoser for more information.

Branch Liaison Meeting - AGM Venue
2019-03-23 13:00 - 14:30 | AGM, Hilton Hotel, 100 Watering Lane, Northampton, NN4 0XW

Annual General Meeting Weekend
2019-03-23 - 2019-03-24 | AGM, Hilton Hotel, 100 Watering Lane, Northampton, NN4 0XW

Hagbourne School Event
2019-03-16 10:00 - 16:00
Hagbourne Primary School
Super S.T.E.M. Day
Saturday March 16th 2019
10.00 to 16.00
Hagbourne Primary School,
Main Road,
East Hagbourne,
Didcot.
OX11 9LR
Event Information
School Poster

Popham - Hoverin
2019-03-10 | Popham Airfield, Popham Airfield, Coxford Down,, Winchester, SO21 3BD
The Southern Branch offers –
a Pre – Race Season Hoverin at
POPHAM AIRFIELD, HAMPSHIRE, SO21 3BD
www.popham-airfield.co.uk
SUNDAY 10th March 2019
The racing season is not that far away. If you would like to: Flight test the new craft you have been
building over the winter months – ensure that the repaired one still works – reawaken your driving skills –
learn to drive – just have a ride – catch up with Hovercrafting friends, then come to Popham on the above
date.

 Operating times are from 10.00 a.m. to dusk
 This is an ideal site for experienced and new drivers
 Driver tuition and rides available
 Refreshments are available in the airfield cafeteria. The all day breakfasts there are very popular
 This event is open to both members and non-members
 If bringing a craft that is not registered with the HCGB then please contact us first
 IF REGISTERED BEFOREHAND STAYING OVERNIGHT ON SATURDAY IS PERMITTED. £10 PER UNIT.
PLEASE NOTIFY BOB BEECH

Note that prior registration is encouraged to save time on the day.
Please e-mail Bob Beech at robertf.beech@btopenworld.com. Registration
forms and other documents will then be sent to you before the event.
DIRECTIONS – (Post code above)
From the North and East – Exit the M3 at J8 onto the A303. After about two miles take the junction for
Micheldever Station and then turn right (north) and go under the A303 and turn right as if you are to go
back onto the A303. Go past the first junction on the left and then the airfield entrance is on your left.
Don't go too fast though as if you miss the entrance you will, indeed, end up back on the A303.
From the South – If on the M3 you need to go to J7 and then go back onto the southbound side of the M3.
Then follow the directions as above.
From the North and West – From the A34 take the A303 for about two and a half miles and take the
junction signposted Micheldever Station. At the “T” junction turn right and then immediately left as if to
go back onto the A303. Then follow the directions above.
On entering the airfield, (the entry route is shown on the Google picture) there is a short one way section
of road at the end of which the road turns sharply to the right. Bear left at this point and pass through a
gravelled car park onto a track going down the hill. At the bottom, vehicles towing hovercraft can be
parked on the gravel road alongside the aircraft park. To save space, please park solo vehicles in the car
park, as indicated. YOU ARE ADVISED TO USE THIS ROUTE IN VIEW OF LOW HANGING BRANCHES OVER
THE TARMAC ROAD THAT COULD PRESENT PROBLEMS FOR HIGH VEHICLES SUCH AS VANS AND
MOTORHOMES.
INTERESTED IN COMING OR WANT MORE DETAILS – PLEASE DROP AN EMAIL TO:
Bob Beech at robertf.beech@btopenworld.com or phone 07711 560347 or 01425 610775

Site Map Download

Competitions Committee Meeting
2019-01-12
Downloads
HC118 Scrutineering Checklist
Link to Forum
HC057 Articles of Association
HC056 Memorandum of Association
HC115 Competitions Regulations 2018
HC055 Articles of Association Branches
Bay Marine Insurance – Discounted Cruising Insurance for all HCGB Members.
HCGB152 2016-1 Construction Regs
HC074 1 Risk Assessment
HC051 Competitions Com Constitution
HC054 Recreation Constitution
HC148 Appeals Procedure 2
HC156 1 Officials Handbook
HC133 Cruising ConRegs 2003
HC080 2006 Health Safety Policy
HCGB Councilcouncil@hovercraft.org.ukChairperson – Makyla Devlin
Vice Chair – Ross Hammond
Secretary – Deborah Hunt
Treasurer – Peter Walker
Insurance Officer – Martin Hackett
Dave Elston
Charlie Metcalfe
Keith Lovell
Philip Tattersall
Rachael Gifford
Upcoming Club MeetingsChairperson – Keith Lovell
Secretary – Catherine Lucas
Rhiannon Black
George Barnes
Louise Beale
Heather Black
Mike Lambert
Zoe Deacon
Jamie Lewendon
Claire Mason
Tim Shaw
Carl Smith Competitions Committee competitions@hovercraft.org.ukUseful ContactsInformation – info@hovercraft.org.uk
Membership – memberservices@hovercraft.org.uk
Insurance – insurance@hovercraft.org.uk
Council – council@hovercraft.org.uk
Secretary – secretary@hovercraft.org.uk
Comps – comps@hovercraft.org.uk
Website & Magazine – webadmin@hovercraft.org.uk
Licenses – licences@hovercraft.org.uk
Branch InformationNORTH WEST
Chair: Charlie Peach
Secretary: Sean O Callaghan
Meeting Venue: Duckworth Hall, Haslingden Old Road, Oswalldtwistle, BB5 3RQ
Meeting Day: 1st Tuesday of the month.
CHILTERNS
Chair: Makyla Devlin
Secretary: Kris Gruber
Meeting Venue: The Red Lion, Aylesbury Road, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 5BU.
Meeting Day: 2nd Tuesday of the month.

SOUTHERN
Chair: Kevin Foster
Secretary: Peter Walker
Meeting Venue: The Red Rover, Salisbury Road, West Wellow, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6BW
Meeting Day: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7pm
MIDLANDS
Chair: Jon Spedding
Secretary: Andrew Folland
Meeting Venue: The Boat House, 14 Bridge Street, Barrow Upon Soar, Loughborough, LE12 8PN.
Meeting Day: 2nd Monday of the month, 8:30pm
SOUTH EAST
Chair: Russ Pullen
Secretary: Benn Bristow
Meetings: Please contact branch chair for meeting venue and dates.
SOUTH DOWNS TWIG
Chair: Susan Ives
Meeting Venue: Burgess Hill
Meeting Day: 2nd Thursday of each month – Please contact Chair for meeting venue and dates.
SOUTH WEST
Chair: Wayne Hill
Secretary: Jon Pert
Meeting Venue: The Bower Inn, East Bower, Nr. Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4TY
Meeting Day: Please contact Chair for meeting dates

Boxing day Cruise
2018-12-26 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
The South East branch will be holding a cruising event on Wednesday 26th December from Long Reach Ski Club on the Swale under the A249 Kingsferry Bridge (ME12 4NG). Please contact Carl Cristina if you are interested in taking part or would like further information on Carl.Cristina@hadlow.ac.uk

South East branch cruise Sunday 2nd December
2018-12-02 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
The South East branch will be holding a cruising event on Sunday 2nd December from Long Reach Ski Club on the Swale under the A249 Kingsferry Bridge (ME12 4NG). Please contact Carl Cristina if you are interested in taking part or would like further information on Carl.Cristina@hadlow.ac.uk

South East branch cruise Saturday 17th November
2018-11-17 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
The South East branch will be holding a cruising event on Saturday 17th November from Long Reach Ski Club on the Swale under the A249 Kingsferry Bridge (ME12 4NG). Please contact Carl Cristina if you are interested in taking part or would like further information on Carl.Cristina@hadlow.ac.uk

South East Cruise Saturday 3rd November
2018-11-03 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
The South East branch will be holding a cruising event on Saturday 3rd November from Long Reach Ski Club on the Swale under the A249 Kingsferry Bridge (ME12 4NG). Please contact Carl Cristina if you are interested in taking part or would like further information on Carl.Cristina@hadlow.ac.uk

Popham Hoverin - End of Season
2018-10-28 | Popham Airfield, Popham Airfield, Coxford Down,, Winchester, SO21 3BD
The Southern Branch offers –
a Late Season Hoverin at
POPHAM AIRFIELD, HAMPSHIRE, SO21 3BD
www.popham-airfield.co.uk
SUNDAY 28th October 2018
Although the racing season has finished the Southern Branch members still want to use their Hovercraft this year and having booked space at Popham Airfield, as above, we would invite anyone else who would like to join us to do so.
• Operating times are from 10.00 to dusk
• This is an Ideal site for experienced and new drivers
• Driver tuition and rides available
• BBQ available for lunchtime. Bring what you would like to cook on it
• Other refreshments are available in the airfield cafeteria. The all day breakfasts there are very popular
• This event is open to both members and non-members
• If bringing a craft that is not registered with the HCGB then please contact us first
Note that prior registration is encouraged to save time on the day.
DIRECTIONS – (Post code above)
From the North and East – Exit the M3 at J8 onto the A303. After about two miles take the junction for Micheldever Station and then turn right (north) and go under the A303 and turn right as if you are to go back onto the A303. Go past the first junction on the left and then the airfield entrance is on your left. Don’t go too fast though as if you miss the entrance you will, indeed, end up back on the A303.
From the South – If on the M3 you need to go to J7 and then go back onto the southbound side of the M3. Then follow the directions as above.
From the North and West – From the A34 take the A303 for about two and a half miles and take the junction signposted Micheldever Station. At the “T” junction turn right and then immediately left as if to go back onto the A303. Then follow the directions above.
On entering the airfield, (the entry route is shown on the Google picture) there is a short one way section of road at the end of which the road turns sharply to the right. Bear left at this point and pass through a gravelled car park onto a track going down the hill. At the bottom, vehicles towing hovercraft can be parked on the gravel road alongside the aircraft park. To save space, please park solo vehicles in the car park, as indicated. YOU ARE ADVISED TO USE THIS ROUTE IN VIEW OF LOW HANGING BRANCHES OVER THE TARMAC ROAD THAT COULD PRESENT PROBLEMS FOR HIGH VEHICLES SUCH AS VANS AND MOTORHOMES.
INTERESTED IN COMING OR WANT MORE DETAILS – PLEASE DROP AN EMAIL (OR PHONE) BOB BEECH robertf.beech@btopenworld.com or 01425 610775 or 07711 560347
Further Information & Details
Map
Signing on Form
Briefing Notes

Competitions Committee Meeting
2018-10-28

South East Cruise Sunday October 14th
2018-10-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Long Reach Jet Ski Club in Iwade, Kent., Long Reach Jet Ski Club, Iwade, United Kingdom
The South East branch will be holding a cruising event on October 14th from Long Reach Ski Club on the Swale under the A249 Kingsferry Bridge (ME12 4NG). Please contact Carl Cristina if you are interested in taking part or would like further information on Carl.Cristina@hadlow.ac.uk

Rother Valley Race Meeting
2018-10-06 - 2018-10-07 | Rother Valley Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ, United Kingdom

Magnolls Race Meeting
2018-09-22 - 2018-09-23 | Magnolls Farm, Magnolls Farm, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3RF, United Kingdom
UPCOMING RACE EVENTS23 May 2026HCGB/EHF Whittlebury1 Race Meeting – 2026Whittlebury Hall, , Google Map06 Jun 2026HCGB Rother Valley Race Meeting – 2026Rother Valley Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield Google Map20 Jun 2026Provisional Race Meeting – 2026Provisional Race Meeting – 2026, , Google Map04 Jul 2026Provisional Race Meeting – 2026Provisional Race Meeting – 2026, , Google Map18 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 Map12 Sep 2026Provisional Race Meeting – 2026Provisional Race Meeting – 2026, , Google Map26 Sep 2026HCGB Whittlebury2 Race Meeting – 2026HCGB Whittlebury2 Race Meeting – 2026, , Google Map01 May 2027Provisional Race Meeting – 2027Provisional Race Meeting – 2027, , Google Map29 May 2027Provisional Race Meeting – 2027Provisional Race Meeting – 2027, , Google MapRACE PROGRAMMERACE RESULTS
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World Hovercraft Racing Championships 2018
2018-09-05 - 2018-09-09

Gang Warily Race Meeting
2018-08-25 - 2018-08-27 | Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Newlands Rd, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1GA, United Kingdom

Liverpool Sailing Club
2018-08-18 - 2018-08-19 | Liverpool Sailing Club
Cruise organised by the North West Branch of the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain.
Low water is at 11:50 on Saturday and 12:40 on Sunday
Please email Danny on dannybaldy@hotmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.

Starlight Day - Popham Airfield
2018-08-08 | Popham Airfield, Popham Airfield, Coxford Down,, Winchester, SO21 3BD
WEDNESDAY 8th AUGUST 2018
The Starlight Childrens Foundation’s biggest event of the year will be held at
Popham Airfield, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, SO21 3BD on Wednesday 8th
August.
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

Irish Cruise
2018-07-28 - 2018-08-06

Liverpool Sailing Club Cruise
2018-07-21 - 2018-07-22 | Liverpool Sailing Club
CRUISING
What is Hovercraft cruising?
It’s using hovercraft to explore rivers, lakes, beaches, mudflats and coastlines. It can be as relaxing or challenging as you like, depending on the environment, or conditions you go out in. Members of the Hovercraft of Great Britain organise and participate in various group cruising events around the country these can range in length from a day to over a week and in numbers from 2 craft to 50. The longest running cruising event is the ‘Rhone Raid’ across France from the Med to Switzerland which has run every summer for over 20 years.
What is a cruising hovercraft?
Hovercraft are essentially zero-draft boats – they don’t actually need any water at all. They can travel on land and waters into areas that boats cannot reach providing a totally unique experience for the passengers. Unlike other watercraft, when on water it “hovers” over the water surface on a cushion of air rather than being in the water. This lack of drag reduces the power needed to drive the vehicle making them efficient on petrol. Hovercraft can also launch easily from beaches and with no propeller in the water and as they produce no wake they pose significantly less threat to marine wildlife than boats. It is unlike any other craft and its capabilities, limitations and low environmental impact are little understood.

Racing hovercraft are a different design to cruising hovercraft in terms of noise, speed and marinesafety – they are unsuitable for cruising use. Cruising craft are based on sound marine engineering and provide economic, quiet and comfortable leisure use.

Where can I use it?
Cruising hovercraft can be used any place that a boat can be used. They have the same navigation rights (and responsibilities!) as other watercraft. Tidal water is normally freely navigable, you can also use rivers (only on the tidal sections without consent) or inland waterways such as lakes (consent will probably be required). There are bylaws in certain areas that specifically ban hovercraft so check that before you take them out.
There are many hovercruising meetings held throughout the UK during the year where everyone is welcome (check the calendar for details).
What does The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain offer for Cruisers?
The HCGB has a Code of Conduct for Cruising to help hovercraft pilots operate safely and considerately.
There are various cruising meetings held throughout the UK during the year where everyone is welcome (check the for details). It’s a great way of meeting other hovercraft cruisers, who will have loads of tips on great places to cruise and how to get the best out of your craft.
Our member’s facebook page is an easy place to connect with other cruisers who can give advice on what craft would suit your specific requirements.
If you are a club member then you will find the How to find a Cruising Site guide will help you find suitable launch spots. In addition, we provide a UK with suggested destinations and any local navigation and safety information. Many other documents are also available to members to help with water access (Environmental Impact Report, How to Organise a Cruising event, etc.). The HCGB provide active support to members who have access problems in their area.
The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain can also provide up to date information on the various different companies that can provide insurance for cruising hovercraft.

Will it float if the engine stops?
There is little difference in sea handling capability between a hovercraft and a boat of similar size. In good conditions, a boat might be able to carry a heavier load but, as good conditions are unusual in UK waters this isn’t much of an advantage!
The most common question people ask about hovercraft is “will it float if the engine stops?” – the answer is YES, cruising hovercraft have full positive buoyancy and can be safely stopped on water indefinitely (fishing and just floating around are popular activities).
Where can I get a cruising hovercraft?
You can buy a new cruising hovercraft from several UK Manufacturers – take a look at the Hovercraft Suppliers Page. Seemingly bargain craft sometimes appear on eBay but they are best avoided unless the seller can demonstrate that it IS actually a cruising hovercraft and not just a toy! Take a look at the HCGB Buyers Guide – it contains very useful information on second hand hovercraft and some of the pitfalls to avoid when buying.
An alternative is to build your own hovercraft – it’s not quite as daunting as it might sound! With good plans, components or kit it is fairly straightforward. Unless you have extensive knowledge of hovercraft we strongly recommend that you don’t try to design your own! They are more complicated than they might look!
How do I learn to drive a hovercraft?
It actually isn’t too difficult to master the basics once you get over the initial “floating around out of control” stage! Check out the which will quickly get you past the first stage and also provide you with very important safety knowledge. The also run many suitable safety courses – the most appropriate for hovercraft use are “Basic Navigation and Safety” and the “Marine Radio – (Short Range Certificate)” courses.
CRUISE EVENTS16 May 2026Hovercraft Cruise and recovery training May 16th &17thNorfolk cruise and recovery training will take place on Hunstanton beach using one of the low tide lagoons . Launch point will be Heacham... Manor Farm Norfolk, Manor Farm, Field Dalling Road, Binham Google Map11 Sep 2026Norfolk Cruise Heacham to Skegness around the Wash September 11th-13thNorfolk Cruise . The plan is to travel from Heacham towards Kings Lynn following the wash shore line around to Skegness . All details... Manor Farm Norfolk, Manor Farm, Field Dalling Road, Binham Google MapMore Cruise Events WHY JOIN?GET THE FOLLOWING MEMBER BENEFITSMember benefits

Participation in events
eMagazine
Local branch meetings and events
Reduced site fees at events
Driver licensing
Hovercraft registration
Members only Facebook Forum
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World Hovercraft Cruise - Winconiston USA
2018-07-14 - 2018-07-22

Towcester Race Meeting
2018-07-07 - 2018-07-08 | Towcester Racecourse, Towcester Racecourse, London Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6LB, United Kingdom
More details to follow
