Friday, April 8, 2011
Most balloons crossing the English Channel: 50 hot air balloons set world record (Video)
CALAIS, France -- A 50-strong fleet of hot air balloons journeyed over the English Channel - one of the busiest waterways in the
world - within four hours of setting off , setting the world record for the Most hot air balloons crossing the English Channel
.
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The Guinness world record for the longest duration flight by helium balloonsis 13 hr 36 min 57 seconds and was achieved by Jonathan Trappe
(United States) in The Spirit Cluster (totalling 57 balloons) who flew over North Carolina, United States
Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the Largest banner flown by balloons:it measured 107 m (351 ft) in length and 53 m (173 ft 10 in) in width and was made by Fiesta Kuwait co. (Kuwait).
'I'm absolutely elated we hae done it,' said organiser Ian Sharpe, 51, of Caterham in Surrey.
'It's the culmination of 14 months of hard work that has paid off.'
Fifty-one hot air baloons set off for France from Wootton, Kent - but a technical fault halted one and 50 made it to Calais.
But for those adventurers that made it, Champagne corks were popped in celebration on the French side.
The world record flight was the idea of retired policeman Ian Sharpe, 51 - who took up the sport eight years ago.
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The BBC said balloon crews from Germany and Italy traveled to England for the flight.
Among the fleet was a 61ft dragon-shaped balloon, deemed to be the largest of its kind and the only hot air balloon in the UK with a glass-bottomed basket.
Sponsorship from the bid will go to three charities, including the RNLI, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Halow Project, which supports young people with learning disabilities.
Related world records:
Youngest relay team to swim the English Channel: English swimmers
Fastest crossing of the English Channel on a wakeboard: Edward Bosso
First person to cross the English Channel using helium balloons: Jonathan Trappe
Largest balloon cluster flight: National Geographic
Largest mass ascent-Lorraine Mondial Air Ballons rally
Longest Cluster Balloon Flight: Jonathan Trappe
World's Most Attractive Flight Attendants: Virgin Atlantic's cabin crew
Most miles travelled by a passenger: Fred Finn
Longest
nonstop flight in a lightweight plane:
Arnold Ebneter
First
person to cross the English Channel using helium balloons
: Jonathan Trappe
Longest
solar-powered flight by paramotor: the Cardozo family
Youngest
passenger to fly in microgravity: Jules Nader
Youngest
to solo airplane and helicopters on same day: Errick Smith
Fastest
around the world flight: Caroll Ann Garratt and Carol Foy
Fastest
coast to coast round trip: US pilots
Fastest
team flight around the world: Swiss Pilots
Fastest
transcontinental flight in a LSA: Matt Hansen and Jessica Scharle
Longest
Cluster Balloon Flight:
Jonathan Trappe
Longest
distance flight in a helium balloon: David Hempleman
Longest
distance flown in an autogyro: Norman Surplus
Friday, April 8, 2011