Volunteers complete floating car challenge to Sark
7 September 2026
The Flying Christine floating car has safely arrived in Sark and successfully completed the first leg of the fundraising challenge (Saturday 5th September).
The bright yellow converted car took just under two and a half hours to make the journey from Guernsey, having left St Peter Port at 9:30 am and arriving in Creux Harbour just before midday.
The car was crewed by long serving marine ambulance volunteers Gary Ward and Paul Phillips. The pair had previously undertaken a similar challenge 34 years ago to raise money to help build Flying Christine III.
Arriving in Sark Gary said he was elated: “It was such an amazing feeling arriving in Sark and we had a fantastic welcome from the Sarkees, just like last time which was brilliant. It was also great to see the Lieutenant Governor waving us off from the shore. The crossing went really well, I was actually very impressed with the sea keeping qualities of the car. It felt quite stable, even around the Bec du Nez where there was a bit of swell. I am really pleased we managed to pull it off again after 34 years”
Paul added: “Words can’t explain how I feel. It has been such a great day. I can’t quite believe we did it. We’ve had such great support to make this happen, so I really hope people will dig deep and we can raise a good amount for the Flying Christine.”
The car was accompanied by several support vessels and guard boats, including a retired lifeboat and the Flying Christine III itself. We would like to thank the owners and operators of the boats for their support, as well as all the sponsors and members of the public who have donated to the appeal.
After being welcomed by well-wishes and members of the Sark fire and ambulance services, the car was towed up the hill to the Avenue before being taken to the Island Hall. It will stay in Sark for a week, before the next leg to Herm, which had to be rescheduled due to the poor weather the previous week.
The challenge is raising funds for the Bailiwick’s marine ambulance, to help keep the Flying Christine III maintained and operational so it can continue its lifeline service for the Bailiwick. Flying Christine, which is operated by Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service is a purpose built marine ambulance, fully-equipped like a road ambulance, which transports paramedics to the other islands of the Bailiwick to provide life-saving care, and convey the sick and injured for further treatment in Guernsey.
Chief Ambulance Officer John Atkins said: “I am very proud of Gary and Paul for their achievement, completing the crossing to Sark. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the challenge has been amazing – as has their dedication to the marine ambulance service over many years. Covering the ongoing costs of running the marine ambulance is expensive, but this initiative will make a significant contribution to help keep the lifeline service running”.
Supporting Gary and Paul behind the scenes has been a team of marine ambulance volunteers, who spent many hours transforming the car and making it watertight and buoyant. The volunteers were also supported by a number of local businesses who provided time and materials for the project.
Gary added: “I’d like to make special mention of Mick Le Tissier and Tom Sauvarin who have put in many hours. We’re also dedicating the day to John Vaudin one of our volunteers who sadly passed away this year.”
Any businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor the sailing car challenge can do so via the website ambulance.gg and clicking ‘Support the Flying Christine III marine ambulance’ button or by contacting Paul Philips on 07781 116309. Donations can also be made in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais.
Photos: Tony Rive
