NZ firm breaks English Channel record

Maurice Bryham

New Zealand company Sealegs has smashed the world record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious craft.

Founder Maurice Bryham says they made the 34km crossing from Dover to Calais in 43m 12s, nearly an hour faster than the previous record held by English entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

The outboard-powered Sealegs boat has motorised wheels on hydraulic legs that retract when the craft is afloat. It has a top speed of 60km/h on water and 15km/h on land.

The Aquada amphibious car used by Branson, and built by a company controlled by expatriate New Zealand multimillionaire Alan Gibbs, can reach 120km/h on land but just 30km/h on water.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD STAFF