Franky Zapata crosses Channel by hoverboard at second attempt

[nitpicker]

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/aug/04/franky-zapata-crosses-channel-by-hoverboard-at-second-attempt

Franky Zapata crosses Channel by hoverboard at second attempt

French inventor flies from northern France to Dover on jet-powered ‘Flyboard’

Frances Perraudin

Sun 4 Aug 2019 09.01 BST Last modified on Sun 4 Aug 2019 09.03 BST

A French inventor has succeeded in crossing the Channel on a jet-powered hoverboard. Franky Zapata achieved the feat on Sunday morning on his second attempt, after being knocked off balance during his first try last month.

The 40-year-old set off from on his Flyboard from Sangatte on the northern coast of France at about 6.17am for the 20-minute trip to St. Margaret’s Bay in Dover.

He had planned to complete the 22-mile (35km) crossing at an average speed of 87mph (140km an hour) and a height of 15-20 metres (50-65ft) above the water.

Zapata’s hoverboard was powered by a backpack of enough kerosene to keep him airborne for about 10 minutes, which he had to stop to refuel halfway through the journey.

During his first attempt, in July, the former jetski champion fell into the sea as he attempted to land on a vessel to refuel. A member of his team said the movement of the waves required perfect timing and the landing platform had shifted a few centimetres as Zapata came down.

Speaking ahead of his journey on Sunday, Zapata said he was concerned his team had not had enough time to repair the machine after it was damaged in the first attempt.
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