On the 9^th of November 1961 the human-powered aircraft “SUMPAC”, designed by David Williams, Anne Marsden and Alan Lassiere, students of The University of Southampton, took to the skies under the sole power of its pilot Derek Piggott sitting inside the cockpit. SUMPAC became the world’s first true human-powered aircraft and Derek became the world’s first human to fly under his own power, thus fulfilling humanity’s centuries-old dream to fly like a bird.

No more did humans have to jump off church towers or hillsides, often with fatal consequences. Derek was SUMPAC’s engine.

60 years on we celebrate this historical flight with an international cross-channel race.

We also celebrate Paul MacCready’s Gossamer Albatross which, piloted by Bryan Allen, successfully flew across the English Channel on the 12^th June 1979 to win the Kremer prize.

The race will be demanding for both aircraft and pilots, having to cross busy shipping lanes, dodge large and small vessels, brave the weather conditions and sustain sufficient power for the 2 hour- odd journey to be able to land safely on the shores of France. For these reasons, safety measures will be in place, contestants will be scrutinised and will have to meet the high standards required in the rules and regulations.

The prize is £50,000 for 1^st place and £10,000 for 2^nd place, whether male or female. An additional £5,000 is offered for the fastest female pilot to complete the course.

The prize money has been generously given by Anne Marsden to celebrate and remember David Williams and Derek Piggott and all the fun they had designing and making the first human powered flight in November 1961.