Brest Sands is a site of Special Scientific Interest regulated by Natural England. It dries out for up to 22 hours per day, and is subject to heavy weather conditions. As a bird feeding site, access is prohibited by foot or by vehicle. With the low downforce of the hovercraft, no damage is caused to the ground so permission was provided for the operation to continue with the hovercraft providing access.


Hovercraft access to the site : The hovercraft was easily stored on land in an area with very limited space on the River Nene. This allowed daily maintenance to be carried out rigorously.
Hovercraft access to the site
The passenger hovercraft was easily stored on land in an area with very limited space on the River Nene. This allowed daily maintenance to be carried out rigorously. Hovercraft charter allows flexible use of marine assets.
Easy storage : The hovercraft can be stored on a multi cat with crane to remove it from the water. Although the hovercraft can be moored afloat, the heavy tidal flow of the River Nene clogs up the skirt with mud from the shoreline at springs. Even with these challenging conditions, the vessel operated successfully with regular maintenance.
Easy storage
The hovercraft can be stored on a multi cat with crane to remove it from the water. Although the hovercraft can be moored afloat, the heavy tidal flow of the River Nene clogs up the skirt with mud from the shoreline at springs. Even with these challenging conditions, the vessel operated successfully with regular maintenance. Hovercraft Rental provide experienced engineers and pilots to maintain the craft.
Brest Sands : The site was heavily pocketed with massive holes due to the changing tides, with no two days the same. The craft often flew at heavy yaw angles to deal with the wind and challenging conditions. Access was via a steep slope and electonics allowed access in all conditions, by sea and land.
Brest Sands
The site was heavily pocketed with massive holes due to the changing tides, with no two days the same. The craft often flew at heavy yaw angles to deal with the wind and challenging conditions. Access was via a steep slope and electonics allowed access in all conditions, by sea and land.
Flying on land : The hovercraft was used 24/7, both day and night, allowing access to the work barge at all times. Taking up to 8 passengers and their kit, the craft was used up to 8 hours per day.
Flying on land
The hovercraft was used 24/7, both day and night, allowing access to the work barge at all times. Taking up to 8 passengers and their kit, the craft was used up to 8 hours per day. Hovercraft rental provide passenger hovercraft for hovercraft charter up to 30 passengers.
Landing craft and RIB : In heavy weather, the RIB was used to provide fast passenger and cargo transfer. Other vessels could not come alongside the barge due to potential damage due to the sea state and wind conditions. The RIB provided safe passage thanks to the shallow draught and soft sides. With only a 2 hour window to move passengers, the RIB was able to make multiple trips whilst there was enough water.
Landing craft
A landing craft can be used to support the hovercraft by moving heavier items up to 5.5 tons. It has shallow water access and can release and retrieve goods from a beach by the loading bow door opening.