Balloon set for lift-off again after makeover — weather permitting
TORQUAY'S tethered balloon ride could be back in action from tomorrow after a winter makeover.
The Lindstrand Hi-Flyer helium balloon ride (pictured) at Torre Abbey, Torquay, has been absent since November for a spruce up and to have coloured panels fitted.
Lindstrand chief Alistair Gunning is hoping for a five-hour calm weather window today.
Dead calm is needed for a crane to hoist the two tonnes of balloon and hold it more than 100ft aloft while more than £20,000 of helium gas is pumped into it and the stainless steel passenger gondola is connected.
Mr Gunning said: "If the weather stays as predicted it should happen.
"If it doesn't I don't know when we can try again. All this is in the lap of the weather gods."
He said the operation is being run by balloon manufacturers Lindstrand.
He added: "It can take five hours sometimes a bit quicker, sometimes a bit slower.
"If all goes well we should be able to take passengers the next day as all the equipment has been laid out and tested to ensure passenger safety."
The 120ft high balloon rides at 400ft on a 48 tonne breaking strain steel cable to give views over Torquay and the Bay.
12 Comments
View all
by Biffo, Paignton Zoo
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 9:01PM
“Move the condom to Hopes Nose, then you can watch the sewerage floating out to sea, just where this bloody thing should be....out to sea and in the the p**”
by Baggins, Torbay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 8:36PM
“I'll wager that the council have not received their full rent/rates yet - let alone the required cut in the 'profit'.
The Blot is an aberration when parked up - which it usually is.”
by Mark Hellyer, Torquay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 8:35PM
“I thought the balloon was making a loss, because of so many 'flying' days lost due to bad weather, and the cost which puts people off. If that is the case, isn't Mr Gunning throwing good money after bad? Surely the sensible thing to make it a success would be to look for a more sheltered site and maybe lower the price? Or am I missing something?”
by veronica, TQ1
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 7:49PM
“im sure all involved with the balloon are hoping for some very fine weather this season ,as the positioning of it is very sensitive to the winds ,that most often come from the west south west but any wind stops play. If not its bound to go pop pretty soon.Alas the bay ive always lived in will still have its original beauty without consumer gimmics..sorry al”
by emily, Torquay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 7:48PM
“Great news - a welcome addition back to Tor Abbey.”