The oldest video recordings of strange wind-driven vehicles
by Magnus Smith 3 Nov 12:00 GMT
Creative approaches from Jack Knights – the Cobber single-hander © Thomas
Last week, we explored the oldest recordings of crafts that aimed for wind speed records. Though they weren’t always standard in appearance, they retained a degree of reason. Our video collection has revealed some designs that are significantly stranger… or even outright ridiculous.
(Most of the footage originates from the UK due to the preservation of early news reels. However, please inform us of any recordings from other nations, as we do not wish to exclusively spotlight the eccentric Brits! You can share video links for prompt evaluation.)
Our most ancient recording dates back to 1932: A homemade land yacht constructed from bicycle components.
In 1954, there was ‘Trion’, an unusual design featuring a Y-shaped hull and four booms.
1968 appeared to be a calm year, as a Shropshire truck driver tried a transatlantic journey in a rubber boat.
From 1969, here’s a unique design of a plane-sail trimaran recorded at Hayling Island.
The Kon Tiki Expedition is a captivating book recounting a whimsical voyage intended to validate a theory. Although Thor Heyerdahl was mistaken in his theory, his journey was fully successful. By 1970, he was beginning work on a second papyrus boat for another ocean voyage.
We conclude with an odd presentation from 1983. Even if this video were not in French, I doubt I would grasp it: Navigation en pouçée.
Continue to watch:
