1.
GV Hovercraft by roadside
0.05

2.
MV Hovercraft No. 2 pushed onto riverside
0.13

3.
CU Another hovercraft pushed onto shore
0.19

4.
TV Hovercraft line-up (2 shots)
0.26

5.
GV Three hovercraft on river
0.32

6.
MV Hovercraft Nos. 7 and 47 onto river
0.40

7.
LV Hovercraft No. 54 under bridge
0.45

8.
LV Hovercraft round buoy (2 shots)
0.56

9.
LV Trials continue (2 shots)
1.07



Initials BB/0130 GR/PN/BB/0115



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Enthusiasts brought their home-built hovercraft from all over Britain on Sunday (16 July) to participate in their annual Hovercraft Grand Prix on the River Thames in London.

The Grand Prix is the only event during which the owners can compare the performance of their craft. The only qualification is that the craft must be home-made--the materials with which it is built is left to the discretion of the builder.

The concept of vehicles floating on a cushion of air originated in Britain, and the building and piloting of hovercraft is becoming an increasingly popular sport here.

SYNOPSIS: In London on Sunday, private hovercraft owners gathered from all over Britain to show off their handiwork. All these machines are home-built--the result of many hours of careful work by their proud owners. This annual Grand Prix on the River Thames is the only chance the home constructors have of comparing the performance of their craft with those of other competitors.

Demonstrating their ability to travel on land and water with equal ease, the hovercraft set out.

They follow a figure-of-eight course between South London's Fulham and Battersea, skimming round the marker-buoys.

Using wood, fibre-glass and salvaged engines, these hovercraft can be built very cheaply...and they are fast becoming a popular sport.