Taking a HOVERCRAFT to the Isle of Wight! - UK Vlog 2023 Pt. 8

[@thetek2006]

Just up the coast from Ryde is Cowes where Saunders-Roe built the remarkable Mountbatten class Hovercraft for crossing the English Channel to France. Weighing in at 320 tons compared to the 11 tons of the one you went on (also built by Saunders-Roe), it was the largest civilian Hovercraft ever built and could carry up to 60 cars and over 400 people until they were taken out of service in 2000.

[@wildwine6400]

LOL 7:54 thats a Gollywog. Very rare to see. That was the mascot of Robinson's Marmalade for decades. I think they use Paddington bear now

[@stainlessdoom3433]

Not a good look for our nation, I hope I never see one again. I can't believe Theo found one of the few stores still selling them 😂😂

[@mooseyrambling5838]

Hay, didn't know your were still here Check out the Sub museum In Gosport, or the Royal Armaments museum at Fort Nelson Ports down Hill, and The one every USMC should see the planning room for D day at Southwick House. 👍

[@dougy2457]

Your expression on seeing the golly in the gift shop was hilarious, you look like you are all having a good time, such polite children, love your channel

[@alanshave8010]

I liked the bit when you said you hardly felt you were on the water because technically you weren't you were flying, just very very low.

[@QuicknStraight]

Hovercraft are cool. I remember going to France several times, as a kid, with my parents, on the old SR.N4s that used to do the cross-Channel runs. Those things were beasts. 400+ pax, a load of cars and capable of 60-70 knots. Awesome!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Yeah. I have vivid memories of a rough crossing as a child. So quick.

[@matthewkeith8605]

I remember them too! Awesome machines, but man did I puke.

[@dereklaker5642]

Awesome way to get to the island. it is a bit nice

[@mariannesyrett7759]

A pity you did not have the chance to travel around the island, it is really beautiful, very pretty little villages and like going back 20+ years. I have visited it many times and love it

[@havocmwf]

"those dolls" are Golliwogs. You could at one time see them on jars of preservative/jam manufactured by Roberstons known as the "Robertsons Golliwog". They were not considered as racially derogative at the time.

[@BladeRunnerC]

Been following your Chanel for ages now and being from the UK love how you have respect not only for our forces but other countries around the world. To actually watch you visit the UK with your lovely family is awesome 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇸. Hope you guys have a great time in Bristol 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@LeeXRV]

Apparently, it's the last commercial hovercraft in the world.

[@MaxKingsley72]

There’s atleast 3 in this video

[@johnnunn8688]

And one of the first services.

[@johnnunn8688]

@@MaxKingsley72, you know full well, the title refers to the last hovercraft service, dick.

[@robc1014]

Im part of a team currently building 3 of these, well very similar to these, for oita airport, japan, as a hover ferry service.

[@robc1014]

So cool seeing a channel I watch regularly, travel on something i built, in the city I live.

[@coloz3882]

What a holiday, U are a good man with a lovely family, I am English and came to Australia as as a kid, your videos make me want to go back....

[@T2P181]

I love the Isle of Wight. So many nice little villages and beaches to see.

[@montyzumazoom1337]

Been on those hovercrafts often as the wife’s parents retired to Ryde. We often refer to them as the “windy”. We either used to take the car on the ferry, or leave it parked and take the “windy” across. It’s a nice ride, even our Dog didn’t mind going on it. Our daughter used to travel across on her own. I’m not sure of the minimum age that a child can travel alone but I think it used to be 10 years? The only stipulation was that an adult had to be on the other side to meet them and they had to let the operators know otherwise the child would not be permitted to travel. Our daughter would often pop over by herself to stay with her Granny and Grandpa. Sir Christopher Cockerell designed the first Hovercraft, the SRN 1 which made its maiden flight on June 1959. Growing up in the 1960’s it was an amazing time. Space rockets to the moon, Concorde and the Hovercraft. We all believed the possibilities of having hover cars and hover trains! It was a new way to travel. Really good to see they are still taking passengers across the Solent today.

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

The Isle of Wight is pretty chill and you had a proper British beach hang out. The only thing that you missed out on our true cultural experience was the fish and chips at the seaside followed by a 99 ice cream but it looked like Stella had one at least.

[@2lefThumbs]

Yeah, seaside fish and chips would have made for some excellent "seagull cam" footage too 🤣

[@johnnunn8688]

@@2lefThumbs not on the Isle of Wight, the gulls there have some decorum, not like the Padstow scum.

[@2lefThumbs]

@@johnnunn8688 🤣 fair enough, I'm on the big island, but never had a day on the beach anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales, without seeing kids (adults too) mugged for chips or fish by gulls at some point in the day, I'll consider IoW for my next holiday👍

[@stevenwebb3634]

The fish and chips would have sent Seagull Cam into overdrive

[@Adrian-qk2fn]

@@johnnunn8688 Not round Ventnor they don't!

[@what_im_eatin_uk]

I remember my last trip to the US waiting in a security queue for 3 hours at Miami airport while an angry American screamed at the people in line for using their phones all this in the blistering heat after an 11 hour flight. Finally got to the booth and was given the third degree by the security officer. Where you staying what's the address how much money do you have when are you leaving. Just what I wanted after a long flight and standing in the blazing sun for 3 hours.

[@RonSeymour1]

The Isle of Wight is a gem, away from the port area. Lovely villages,(Osborne House), and amazing fossil-finding cliffs.

[@alanshave8010]

Well ive lived on the Isle of Wight all my life but ive never been to Blemheim Castle, but i have been to Carisbrooke Castle a few times😂

[@RonSeymour1]

@@alanshave8010 My sincere apologies, I should have said Osborne House. It is to my regret that the last time I went to the IOW was in 1975 for a few hours and before that in 1958. I have always wanted to return but t never had the opportunity. Getting too old now, hence my memory lapse. Am I correct in saying that there used to be a donkey turning the wheel at Carisbrooke Castle back in the day?

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you for sharing I loved the shows, years ago, of the tank restorations from the isle of Wight 🏆🤗🙏🇺🇲

[@momclean]

A wonderful experience for all, and the children seemed relaxed a enjoying the whole trip ...Well done mum and dad, memories that stay with you for ever..😘😘😘😘♥️

[@danielwhyatt3278]

The Isle of Wight is such a lovely place to chill out. I probably would’ve recommended checking out Osborne house though. It was Queen Victoria’s favourite family retreat on the island and it’s an absolutely beautiful unique palace that has anaesthetic that’s kind of reminiscent of that of something from mainland Europe.

[@wildwine6400]

Isle of Wight is known for its big music festival ( which is in June) and dinosaurs! There's a few dinosaur museums there with fun interactive stuff for kids, several dinosaurs were found on the Isle of Wight. Queen Victoria had a big Royal home on there to, Osborne House

[@legolas7r]

Its nice to see you as a father and a husband having a nice time with your wife and kids :)

[@wildwine6400]

First time I saw a hovercraft was in the seaside town of Blackpool (which is like a mini Las Vegas) , don't think they use them anymore there as it was supposed to take you to the other local seaside towns

[@claregale9011]

Actual beaches lol that made me chuckle , plenty of beaches on mainland Britain we are an island after all . Glad your having a lovely time 😊

[@bjb123ch]

The 'doll' is a gollywog. They used to be very popular. Robertsons jams used to have tokens that you could collect and exchange for small metal badges of gollywogs in various guises, playing different instruments etc. I used to collect them as a child, and to be honest it never even dawned on me that it was anything other than a kids toy, just like a teddy bear.

[@cadanvr]

Cool man hope your enjoying your vacation

[@TonyMarony73]

I have driven those kind of hovercraft, 4 seats hovercraft. It was smooth ride and quite fast. Turning at high speed was tricky, but it was nice. I was driving on ice with that at the 80's.

[@davel8927]

Pity I was elsewhere! I live 4 miles from gunwharf quays other side of harbour in Gosport👍🥃⚓️…….also hovercraft and submarine museums are here.

[@Astronomy_Enjoyer]

The Runescape sound tracks really add to the vibe, love it!

[@nigelsmith1359]

Glad to see you all had a lovely day over on the island and the weather picked up for you, we always try to pop over to the island at least once a year and call into the historic docks on route. Shame you didn’t go round the Mary Rose experience but then there is so much to see it’s a push to do it in one day. You found the bell from the Hood, we try to pass by it when we go as my partners uncle went down with her, he was only 18. As others have said Osborne house is really cool although the kids may not thought so..

[@rachealbrown2166]

I love watching the hovercraft on the beach at Southsea but I've never been to the Isle of Wight. We generally just go past it on the ferry on our way to France!

[@gordonhutchison9647]

I live on the isle of wight it's a little gem for coastal beeches and music festivals.

[@mikefoster6018]

The Isle of Wight has some really unexpected stuff there, like its garlic farm!

[@sih1095]

Yes if you are a fan of hunting. Is the owner is. Personally I avoid.

[@mikefoster6018]

@@sih1095 What, is the garlic farm full of animal trophies or something?

[@Only1janetc]

The dolls are made to look like the old Trademark of Robinsons, they make juice and jam. You used to be able to collect little enamel pins, etc. Obviously, as we became more aware, they removed it from their products .

[@ddsixoneone2300]

The Isle of Wight is probably one of the last old style seaside destinations in the UK. The Gollis are a traditional Egyptian doll, they've been criticised as racist by people who don't understand the history or culture of other countries. Striped trousers and red jacket were traditional dress in Egypt in the 1800s.

[@sammic7492]

I'm so glad you made it to the island it's just a shame you didn't get to see much of it. As an islander (what you call someone from the island) born and raised I used to commute to the mainland everyday for work on the Hovercraft for about 8 years, and my father in law used to work for BHC (The hovercraft factory on the island). The best time of year for the beach is in the winter when there are no holiday makers (sorry!) go for a walk along the beach, and then if on the south side of the island find a nice old pub on or near the beach look out to sea and if it's windy just watching the waves and cold outside while next to an open fire, you can't beat it. There is a monkey sanctuary on the island as well as a donkey sanctuary

[@anthonybranson8113]

Love the vlog! Cool to see you and your kids!

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Congrats! You four have now done at least one thing I've never done, i.e. ride on an hovercraft. I'm told kids learning to be politicians and lawyers find such a trip especially educational, as they experience getting along simply on hot air.😅

[@stirlingmoss4621]

I used to go from Dover to Calais on the big car ferry Hovercraft back in the 90s. Huge and noisy and rattly

[@Raccoonred77]

I live on the Isle of Wight! Wish you had been able to show more of what we have on offer. Ryde is lovely but we have so so much more! Thank you for your video though. Hope you're enjoying your travels 😊

[@rundmk00]

West of Southampton (where I live 😀) there are many nice beaches if you ever come back with the family 👍 the New Forest is super nice on a sunny day too

[@DavidSmith-cx8dg]

The Island has some great beaches and interesting places to see and is pretty rural .I always think it's like going back twenty years . The hovercraft is a unique experience and it looks like you enjoyed your time . Great place for a holiday when the weather is nice .

[@markkettlewell7441]

It looks like you are all having a lot of fun. 😅❤

[@colinwebb3660]

I'm so sorry you're visiting at the moment; in 36 years, I've never known a colder Spring. Winter decided to not end this year.

[@teresafinch7790]

Glad you enjoyed your visit. I live in Southsea, the southern part of Portsea Island, not far from the D day museum. It's a great place to live. I love having a beach in easy walking distance.

[@simonpayne8252]

Glad you are getting a lot in!

[@dazza9326]

The Isle of Wight is lovely. I use to work with a guy in London who use to travel from the Isle of Wight everyday - Madness.

[@butchsweeney]

the doll you were referring to was a Symbol for almost a Hundred years off a company that made pots of Jam

[@suerogerts4330]

The doll back in the day was called a Golliwog not pc really and not produced any more but I think originally was a type of marmalade or jam and the makers bloody awful but that was the state of the time xx

[@stevenokes861]

Thanks for the visit to my home town Pompey hope you enjoy yourselves

[@aaron_p12]

loving these vlogs i dont want them to end

[@elizner]

Hey you visited my hometown Pompey. My grandad took me on the hovercraft when I was a little kid and I remember asking him what the air cushions were filled with and he told me beer lol.

[@Shoomer1988]

Loved these vlogs man.

[@IAmTheJollyOrange]

Didn't expect to see this video of my hometown! I used to commute on that hovercraft daily when I lived over there

[@scootertart]

I spent a lot of time on the Isle of Wight due to having a ex- girlfriend from there, lovely place, beautiful scenery and nice people. Hope you and your family are having a lovely holiday in the UK.

[@klr-canary7100]

Beautiful place

[@5556665012008]

There are a lot of "those dolls" in the south coast of England but it's a legal gray area. Some places have even been raided by police for displaying them. There are some pretty big reggae festivals (as well as other music festivals) on the Isle of Wight so it's a bit weird. Most people in the UK just see them as a doll rather than a caricature, by the same token the white gloves on Disney characters like Mikey Mouse are based on the caricatures of "black face" minstrels

[@momclean]

All of this fuss regarding the " Golly " doll, angers me!! In my home city - when I was a young girl - we'd never seen a black person, and Chinese restaurants were beginning to appear My sister always played with her pink - faced dolls, I didn't. When the "Golly " appeared on the scene, I had to have one - they were so colourful, and not boring,! By then the "Golly " was appearing on food labels, there was no racism, because at our Universities, we were becoming multi- culturing, and accepting the same. I made myself a " Golly " som yess ago, and I 'm proud of him - yes it's a boy 😘 I find this racism nonsence to rediculous to be true, that sensible minded adults use this language, and induge in ignorance... I must also add, I'm 82 yrs of age, have lived in several countries,and worked with many different nationalities.

[@martindunstan8043]

Not a GREY area at all, the current overly sensitive culture that has unfortunately blossomed means if someone finds something😴😴 offensive and reports it as such then it will likely be looked into by the relevant authorities to make a decision. There are no big reggae festivals on the Isle of Wight at all just two small functions this year one in May at a yatch club and October in a hotel. The Isle of Wight festival is once a year in June which doesn't really constitute weird. You can find absolutely anything in any situation if predisposed.

[@babalonkie]

"Most people in the UK" = Middle aged+. Fixed it for you.

[@f3aok]

​@@babalonkie Or people who understand context and the minstral tradition rather than automatically assuming it's racism.

[@babalonkie]

@@f3aok "Minstrel tradition". You mean the act of a white person blackening their face to portray "humorous" stereotyping of black people? The very definition of a minstrel. Oh i understand context and i also understand dated offensive inconsiderate ideology or culture.

[@BLew657]

I live on the island. I was born here. Worked away but always came back here. Incredible AONB. Wouldn't live anywhere else now

[@gmf121266]

Great that you travelled by hovercraft. Not boasting but its a British Invention. When I was young I was quite scared of the Hovercraft because of its noise and the fact that when its door opened I thought it was going to eat us! Mind you, I was only 6. I went on it later though. It was called the SRN6. SR stood for Saunders Roe, who made a lot of the first commercial and military hovercraft in the day. I think I'm right in saying that the US used the SRN6 in Vietnam.

[@Evasion381]

that golly wog doll was something I remember as a kid, they are pretty offensive and rarely seen these days outside of rural areas I visited, they used to have one as mascot for Robinsons jams when I was a kid in the early 90's

[@lyndarichardson4744]

We've been to the Isle of Wight on holiday. We loved it !

[@seeker1432]

Hovercraft ride, Awesome. Dam I'm jealous.

[@samuel10125]

I know the UK back when hovercrafts where a new concept tried to turn them into a revolutionary way to travel but I think with the advent of air travel kinda put the idea out of business among other things.

[@kenlawton1531]

The dolls are called Golliwogs, haven't seen one for years.

[@grahamstubbs4962]

Wow. I haven't been on a hovercraft since I was a kid. That was a Saunders-Roe N4. Thing was, you wanted it to be a calm day because otherwise the motion would be like a square wave. Lunch loss would be likely.

[@speleokeir]

There used to be a Dover to Calais (France) Hovercraft though they were far bigger with four huge engines and a car deck. Took about 45 mins. I think they stopped after the Channel Tunnel opened. Personally I preferred the ferry as you could go on deck and enjoy the fresh air and view even though it took a lot longer.

[@martindunstan8043]

Hey buddy👍hope you enjoyed your time on the little island where I live just 2 miles from the hovercraft, it looked like the mini combats had fun🤣 take care now ✌️

[@williamwilkes9873]

The lsle I love.......,nothing there 1:41 1:41

[@martindunstan8043]

@@williamwilkes9873 nothing there?

[@simonrouse5529]

Glad u enjoyed the hovercraft I been on it a few years ago it was good then ❤

[@HashtagNashtag_]

I lived in Portsmouth for 7 years and never took the hovercraft over to IOW, glad you did it!

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

You definitely need to take the kids to a Lifeboat Station in the UK. Bembridge Lifeboat Station would have been ideal on the Isle of Wight. There are loads around to visit and kids always enjoy them.

[@BC_26fhj]

US credit cards sometimes don’t work first time in Europe if you email them and explain you received an error message on your first attempt you should get your money back. If not ask your credit card company to do a chargeback.

[@RushfanUK]

There may be some other Hovercraft passenger services around the world but there are none other in Europe so a pretty cool experience, great family.

[@antprice2277]

I went there to live and travelled there on one 43 years ago, don't know if it's the same one, no idea how old that one is, enjoy yourselves 😊

[@BigAlCapwn]

The dolls are called Golliwogs and I'm highly surprised a shop is selling them in 2023! In fact, the police recently raided a pub in England that was displaying the dolls (the were popular in the 50s apparently) and confiscated them from the pub owner

[@jillosler9353]

They were a very loved doll to have.

[@davedavids57]

@@jillosler9353 The emphasis is WERE there. Outside an antiques place it's very unusual. I am from Portsmouth and if someone sold those here the police would get involved. The Isle of Wight (or Shite as we mainlanders call it) is a weird place.

[@CombatArmsChannel]

Bruhh

[@mungulor]

Yeah you can still find them around, not too rare on the south coast

[@babalonkie]

@@CombatArmsChannel Yup. Isle of Wight has different laws from the UK and Jeremy Clarkson lived there for the "Culture"... i think that says a lot. You wont find those dolls in most modern towns/locations. Unfortunately Old Karens are found here in the UK also.

[@dangerclosejtf9163]

Hovercraft are awesome!

[@gonzo3915]

Good to see you guys enjoying the UK, are you headed anywhere up north?

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Shame you didn't get to go to the Isle of Wight Tiger Sanctuary. Once upon a time they used to walk the tiger cubs on the beach

[@chrisgb4645]

It's funny how you say "actual beaches" and there's still stones and pebbles 😂 I promise not every beach in the UK looks like that, I visited Camber sands as a kid and not a rock in sight lol

[@keefsmiff]

Nice one,I used to fly to work on that 👍

[@dannyboyy31]

I didn't even realise hovercraft crossings were still a thing here on the south coast. That's quite embarrassing when, if I drive 5 minutes from my house to the local beach at Sandbanks, I can see the Isle of Wight 🤦‍♂🤣. Anyway welcome to the UK Theo, and enjoy your visit! Thankfully the weather's finally started warming up a bit. Most of April was baltic.

[@mattdean7293]

Im in Portsmouth. Would have been mad to bump into you in Gunwharf! 😂 Great vid.

[@markjlewis]

Hope your children got chance to meet some British kids on the beach. It would have been great for them to mix

[@sih1095]

Hah. About a 5 minute walk from the where I live on the Isle of Wight ❤

[@Thorpeman]

Took that about 40 years ago great way to get there 👍

[@mungulor]

Hope you enjoyed Portsmouth, I've got a load of family down there - plenty of warships to see too

[@Scaleyback317]

Shame you didn't have longer to spend on the Island mate. It is stunningly beautiful. When we returned from living in Fl and before that CA about 32 years ago we moved to the Island and have lived here since. Can't think of anywhere on the planet I'd rather live. Luckily my wife - Ex USAF and NY born agrees. They'll bury us here.

[@brentpeterson7304]

could you do more about the baltic countries military's?

[@gavinbroad1743]

Welcome to Portsmouth, my home City. Did you do the Royal Marines Museum?

[@itzz_mitch7191]

It's such a great island, although some of the drivers aren't great 😬😬

[@johnshore6756]

I spent 8 years commuting from the isle of wight it's certainly a novel way to travel, especially in the winter where it's like being on a rollercoaster 🤢 Southsea is lovely pity the royal marines museum has closed you would have liked that

[@KingCharles3]

It’s a shame you didn’t go into the Isle of Wight, there are some absolutely lovely places and things to do.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Tiger Sanctuary!! 🐅

[@derektaylor6389]

dont forget to visit the isle of man where they have the tt race

[@Tom-ed-w]

British seagulls wont care about the little mans bread, it will take him xD

[@Shoomer1988]

The black doll is known as a Gollywog - most people find it pretty offensive.

[@markwhalebone751]

Loving the Zelda vibe.

[@magnetaliam3399]

You should visit Gloucester Cathedral, a corridor of hogwarts is there you also can take a hike in the Forest of Dean where a bit of the last Harry Potter was filmed

[@matthewhale2464]

The keychain dolls you saw are called golliwogs they’re an old-fashioned type of doll and also used to be on the lid of a brand of British marmalade. They are supposed to be a black guy, but as I say, they’re quite old-fashioned and only really frowned upon by super sensitive people. My brother-in-law is a black guy and he thinks they’re absolutely hilarious.

[@wildwine6400]

Lol I think Wine Gums are not really the sort of gummy kids go for. They are more firm and not as sweet, more of "old people sweets" A bag of Haribo or Rowntrees Randoms is the usual go to

[@Hithefirstto]

Fer nanna kanasu 🇫🇮

[@markkettlewell7441]

My late father used to call seagulls “sh*te hawks” because if you’re under a flock of them you will get hit 😂

[@kennethsewell4245]

Every time i get car washed bombed same day theyre a pain

[@markkettlewell7441]

@@kennethsewell4245 My dad thought they waited till he’d cleaned his car before dumping on it as well. They’re malicious little buggers those seagulls 😅