A New Zealand invention last night broke a world record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel by an amphibious craft.
The Aquada, a sportscar capable of travelling on water that was pioneered by Kiwi entrepreneur Alan Gibbs, made the 22 mile journey in 1h 40m 6s.
Sir RichardBranson, founder and chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, was behind the wheel as the Aquada smashed the previous record of six hours. The crossing began at 8.45am (7.45pm New Zealand time).
The vehicle, which looks like a sports car but transforms into a "speedboat" at the touch of a button, has top speeds of 160km/h on land and 50km/h on water.
Sir Richard, who bought the first of 25 Aquadas so far manufactured by Mr Gibbs' Britain-based company Gibbs Technologies, made the journey to celebrate the 20th birthday of the airline.
Media and invited guests trailed behind in boats and helicopters hovered overhead as the spectacle was broadcast live around the world.
Mr Gibbs, who followed the action from his helicopter, said most of the spectator craft struggled to keep up with Sir Richard.
He said the crossing could have been made 20 minutes faster, but Sir Richard turned the Aquada around to wait for the flotilla of about 50 boats.
"He was hooning through the waves and having a great time," he told the Herald shortly after the event finished.
Mr Gibbs admitted being nervous about the Aquada taking to the open sea, as it is designed for use in sheltered waters and harbours.
But he said the crossing, which was carried out in perfect weather, had shown the world that the Aquada had real potential.
