Sunny Rhyl Sea Fishing Diary

Rhyl Hovercraft - 26/03/2007

Rhyl is notable for many things. Not least it was the location of the worlds first passenger hovercraft service.

Sailing between Moreton, Wirral and Rhyl, the service began on 20th July 1962. 

12 trips a day were planned, but due to numerous technical failures and also the unpredictable weather conditions (Sunny Rhyl??), the service rarely attained these levels.

In all, the service operated for 54 days, of which it set to sea on 19 of those days.

It all came to an end on the night of 17th September 1962. During extreme weather conditions, it broke its moorings and was towed in shore by Rhyl Lifeboat. Spending the night tethered to the promenade railings, substantial damage was caused.

The Vickers VA3-001 never operated out of Rhyl again. 

History lesson over!!!!!!!

What a pleasant surprise I had today!!!!!

I had heard a low rumbling sound eminating from the promenade. I decided to investigate further.......

I arrived at the source of the rumble, just by Rhyl Lifeboat station. What a fantastic sight!!!!

A hovercraft on Rhyl beach! 

Sea trials were being conducted by a company that proposes to resurrect a passanger hovercraft service from Rhyl.

The Air Vehicles Tiger 12 looked and sounded fantastic as it swept across the beach. 

A service betwen Rhyl and Llandudno is planned to commence later this summer.

Watch this space :)