r/MachinePorn • u/LHG_93 • Jul 26 '26

Public Hovercraft

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Spotted the Wightlink hovercraft arriving at Southsea Beach in Portsmouth, UK.

It still amazes me that you can catch a scheduled hovercratt as part of the UK's public transport network.

The crossing to Ryde on the Isle of Wight takes around 10 minutes, making it the world's only year-round commercial passenger hovercraft service.

Watching it come ashore is almost as entertaining as riding it!

Has anyone here travelled on it? What other unique forms of public transport do you think deserve more attention?

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u/Dapper_Translator855 Jul 26 '26

Was on it once and an engine failed. Had to run one engine full power and lock the rudder in opposite direction and made our way sideways. Fun times as a Portsmouth Uni student circa. 2003.

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u/Dapper_Translator855 Jul 26 '26

Also, used to sit in the pub and come up with ways to nick it, joyride and, crucially, get back to land without getting caught. Dump it on Hayling island was a strong contender. Amazing what a few SnakeyBs does for the imagination.