Fearless aviators in the eccentric Worthing International Birdman competition leapt for glory into the English Channel yesterday in makeshift contraptions.
Fun flyers in joke outfits went wing-to-wing with serious contenders by hurling themselves from a specially-constructed 35ft-high platform on Worthing Pier, West Sussex.
In front of thousands of people who had crowded on the seafront, the seriously-minded adventurers vied for a £10,000 jackpot on offer to anyone able to fly the furthest over 100 metres.
On Saturday, on the first day of the event, high winds forced the abandonment of the contest after just two of nine attempts by serious competitors as gusts hit almost 20mph.
But yesterday there was bright sunshine and the wind speed was limited to around 14mph, proving to be ideal weather conditions for the madcap aviators.
They included Joel Hicks who jumped off the side of the pier dressed as David Hasselhoff, complete with a yellow Baywatch vest and a specially-made Knightrider car.
He was followed by Kerry Jennings and Lee Murray as Buzz Lightyear and Jessie from Toy Story, then later Hugh Wastnage as a bacon, lettuce and tomato Subway sandwich.
Before leaping to raise cash for the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel, he said: “If there is ever a last sandwich to have before a jump, then this is it.”
Hazel Smith walked up to the platform clutching dozens of balloons after being inspired by movie character Carl Fredricksen from the 2009 CGI film Up.
She wore a grey wig, a suit and a bow-tie bought from a charity shop before performing a bizarre jig and leaping into the sea in aid of the Children’s Integrated Playscheme.
Ms Smith said: “Up is just a great film and when I came here last year I thought, ‘I could do that’.
“Every balloon is sponsored and I have got friends and family plus my sister watching a live feed.”
Other competitors flung themselves off dressed as Dennis the Menace and Gnasher, a bright yellow duck and characters including Darth Vader and Yoda, from Star Wars.
Another flyer, Chris Pugh, was buffeted by winds on the platform as he tried to hurl himself off as Dr Who, complete with a Tardis, in aid of Hospice in the Weald.