Hovercraft

From Historical Hastings
1966 Plans for Hoverpad

Between 1966 and 1967, an experiment was undertaken with hovercraft trips utilising an SRN-6 craft - Brittania - from the beach opposite Pelham Place. The attraction only lasted a year or so due to noise complaints from nearby residents, and a rather unfortunate breakdown towards the end of August 1986 which resulted in the passengers having to be evacuated on the lifeboat[1], following which the hovercraft did not return to service, although a generator from the craft did re-visit Hastings a number of years subsequently - being utilised on an ex-military tug, the Alacrity which frequently anchored off Hastings[2].

However, whilst the craft was in use, a successful planning application for a permanent terminal and landing pad to be constructed on the beach was lodged during 1966 in spite of the noise complaints.[3].

Images

References & Notes

  1. Frederick Crouch
  2. Graeme Benefits
  3. Hastings Borough Council Planning application ref HS/66/00308