Phileas
You are going to have to be careful on that gorgeous tropical island your on, I think you should put a hat on when sitting in the sun.
As a qualified yachtmaster who has sailed these waters and the channel I promise you that there is no comparison, a hovercraft is a not going to work down here. I have been talking to a Canadian hovercraft manufacturer about the feasibility of using one in coastal waters around the Fal Estuary and even that is a challenge. Get a good easterly blowing and even the inshore ferries stop operating.
Enjoy your day and have another cold beer whilst I sit in the rain