Possibly yes, because man’s interest in flight can be matched by the innate hunger for fun.
And the Guernsey Harbour Carnival brings the fun to the forefront each summer with a series of events, culminating in the Man-Powered Flight before a fireworks display.
Takeoff is permitted from a stage built on the landward side of the Victoria Marina. Those brave souls taking flight towards the Little Russell must navigate the stairs up to the platform built by a local scaffolding firm before launching themselves into the sky… and ultimately landing in the harbour.
This is all witnessed by thousands of people who have gathered to watch, so entrants are encouraged to put on a show while making a spectacle of themselves.
Pictured: St John Ambulance and Rescue entered the 2010 Man-Powered Flight (Harbour Carnival).
Guernsey’s annual Man-Powered Flight is always held towards the end of the Harbour Carnival, which is organised every year by the Guernsey Round Table. This year’s event is raising money for the Channel Islands Air Search.
The Harbour Carnival organising committee state that the man-powered flight is where “members of the public attempt to pilot their homemade flying machines the furthest distance”.
“Challengers are very much encouraged to enter into the spirit of the occasion and wear whatever fancy dress or costume they feel appropriate,” they said.
The event’s judges are only to accept entries from people using some form of “flying contraption, vehicle, or similar craft” to attempt their flight.
“The only restrictions are the craft can only be powered by muscle, gravity and imagination!” the organisers said.
Prizes are awarded for the longest distance and the best craft with the caveat that no engine or propellant is permitted.
Among the entries for the 2024 Harbour Carnival will be the Guernsey Round Table themselves with what they’ve called a “particularly special entry”.
Pictured: An ‘Up’ themed entry from 2015 (Harbour Carnival).
Entries to the Man-Powered Flight can be made through the Harbour Carnival website HERE.
No engines or propellants are allowed, with only the human body able to power the craft on the night.
The craft can be manned by one or more people, with fancy dress, costumes, or team uniforms encouraged.
The judges will be scoring entries on the look of the team and their craft.
The machines must be able to be lifted on to the take off platform by the team themselves.
The further the craft can fly the better, with the judges also scoring on the length of flight.
Pictured top: A 2021 entry (Harbour Carnival).