Q&A · 1:25:09-1:25:40

Could Bacon's giant pontoons cross the Channel without swamping?

The proposed crossing depended on calm Channel conditions, with success judged to require considerable luck.

Question

How did the planners intend to get the long pontoons across the Channel without being swamped?

Short answer

They relied on sufficiently calm Channel conditions and a great deal of luck.

Notes

The planners hoped the Channel would not be too rough for the long pontoons to make the passage. Success is judged to depend heavily on luck, without a detailed anti-swamping arrangement being specified.