Interesting article here on why hovercraft have faded from commercial use, their disadvantages (capacity, noise) outweighing their advantages (speed, lack of pier). It suggests that new hovercraft tech will alleviate at least the noise issue and lead to a resurgence in the craft's use — but, sadly, that reminds me of the regular promise that airships will make a comeback any day now.
(h/t +J. Steven York)
What happened to passenger hovercraft? – BBC News
It’s 60 years since inventor Christopher Cockerell demonstrated the principles of the hovercraft. But it never caught on widely as passenger transport. Why?
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Awww….I remember watching this down the beach as a kid. It's amazing and such a unique sound that reminds me of home.
I’m sorry, but when you say hovercraft I can only think of this-
https://youtu.be/OgpfYBMqURw
I rode one across the English Channel once. Any conversation was difficult.