MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2019‘Flying Frenchman’ crosses
Channel by hoverboard
Former jet ski champion made first attempt last month
Franky Zapata approaches the cliffs of Dover on his hoverboard (AFP/Getty)
COLIN DRURY
A French inventor has successfully crossed the English Channel on his jet-powered hoverboard after a
previous attempt failed last month.
Franky Zapata made the 21-mile crossing between Sangatte in northern France and St Margaret’s Bay in
Dover in just 23 minutes yesterday. The 40-year-old former jet ski champion fell into the sea while
attempting a mid-point refuel during his first effort on 25 July – but he completed the challenge second time
round with no hiccups.