The Atlantic Ocean was the biggest challenge in ballooning history for several years. A man called Thaddeus Lowe made preparations for a crossing many years ago, but it wasn't until the 1950s that anyone made a significant attempt.

Four British balloonists, Colin Mudie, his wife Rosemary, Bushy Eiloart and his son Tim, were to attampt to take on the Atlantic crossing using their experience as sailors. They decided on an east to west route, leaving from Tenerife, and heading towards a central location on the east cost of the USA.

They built a basket specifically for the journey. It measured 15ft x 8ft and was made from reinforced polystyrene. It needed to be a strong, sturdy structure to make sure it would be able to withstand the impact if they fell to the sea at any point throughout the journey - the drop would have been a good 30,000 ft or so! Quick release cable were used to attach the basket and envelope in case there was anemergency.



They vessel was named 'Small World'. It took off on December 12 in 1958 and travelled a 1200 nautical miles. it broke all existing balloon duration records. Unfortunately, the group were caught in a ferocious storm and their attempt was brought to an early end. They did however complete their journey in the custom made basket and arrive at their destination in Barbados on January 5th 1959.

The design of Small World was to be copied by others in future attempts at the great Atlantic crossing for the next 2 decades. This story was truly an inspiration to many others.