Frenchman to Retry 'Flyboard' Trip

Inventor Franky Zapata will again attempt to fly across the English Channel after his first effort fell short.

In this Wednesday July 24, 2019, file photo, Franky Zapata prepares to start a training flight over the Saint Inglevert airport near Calais, France.
In this Wednesday July 24, 2019, file photo, Franky Zapata prepares to start a training flight over the Saint Inglevert airport near Calais, France.
AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File

PARIS (AP) — A French inventor will try again to traverse the English Channel on a flying board after his first attempt failed halfway.

Franky Zapata's wife, Christele, said Wednesday that he will retry the 36-kilometer (22.4-mile) journey Sunday from the French town of Sangatte to the area near Dover.

Last week, on his first attempt, Zapata crashed into a refueling boat 20 kilometers (12 miles) into the trip. This time, his wife said he will use a larger boat for the refueling stop in hopes of making landing easier.

He had to build a new board, a customized version of the Flyboard his company sells for watersports. The engine is fueled by kerosene he carries in a backpack, his feet fastened to the board.

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