Sports
French ‘Flying Man’ Franky Zapata Succeeds in Cross-Channel Attempt

(Bloomberg) — A French man has successfully crossed the English Channel on a fly board, 10 days after his first attempt failed. Franky Zapata, 40, left Sangatte on the Northern coast of France at 8:17 a.m. local time on Sunday and landed 22 minutes later at St Margaret’s Bay in Kent, England.
The Marseillais crossed the 35 kilometers (22 miles) thanks to a tiny flying board propelled by five mini turbo-jet engines.
🇫🇷#yeswedid la seconde #tentative aura été la bonne. Traversée de la manche réussie #jobdone. Merci à tous #familyaffair #france #NeverGiveUp #flyboardair #entrepreneurs #louisbleriot #frencharmy pic.twitter.com/5ToPopHSxj
— Franky Zapata (@frankyzapata) 4 August 2019
“We didn’t give up,” a tearful Zapata said during a press conference in Bleriot-Plage after the crossing. “The harder the job is, the more beautiful the victory is. Nobody in the team will forget this moment.”
Zapata traveled at a speed of about 160-to-170 kilometers an hour during most of the crossing, he said. His first attempt 10 days ago failed after his board hit a platform of the refueling boat.
Zapata is a former world and European jet ski champion. Last month, the inventor took part in the Bastille Day celebrations and showcased his invention by soaring in the Parisian skies as President Emmanuel Macron looked on.
The 26.1-kilogram board Zapata designed to cross the Channel is “100% French,” and has a maximum tested speed of 202 kilometers an hour, the inventor said, adding that he had no plans to commercialize it yet. Its “twin brother” called the “Easy Fly,” which has attracted the attention of armed forces worldwide, costs an estimated 250,000 euros ($277,700), he said.
Zapata received sponsorship help from Zenith Watches and Acer Computer International for the challenge, he said.
Success in life “doesn’t necessarily mean to succeed financially.” Zapata said. “What matters is to realize one’s dreams.”
-
Banking & Finance2 months ago
Oman Arab Bank Announces Increase of Authorised Capital to RO500mn and Paid‑In Capital Boost of RO50mn
-
Bahrain2 months ago
SPIEF 2025 focused on global and regional economic processes, market transformation, new tech, investment climate, financial policy and people
-
Banking & Finance1 month ago
National Finance Reinforces Position as Partner for Growth, Offers a Comprehensive Product Suite to Support Customer Ambitions
-
OER Magazines2 months ago
OER, June 25
-
Energy2 months ago
Russian Energy Week from October 15-17, 2025 offers alternative formats of cooperation
-
Alamaliktistaad Magazines2 months ago
Al-Iktisaad, June 25
-
Technology2 months ago
SPIEF 2025 showcases cutting-edge technologies and digital innovation through its Innovation Space initiative
-
Economy2 months ago
Oman Investment Authority’s Assets Surpass RO20bn with Profits Exceeding RO1.5bn in 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login