Second leg of floating car challenge to Herm
1 October 2026
The Flying Christine floating car completed the second leg of its inter-island challenge sailing from Guernsey to Herm on Sunday 20th September.
The journey across the Little Russel took around 45 minutes and the car and its crew of Gary Ward and Paul Phillips were greeted by a large crowd who had been watching from the quay. The group included Herm’s volunteer Community First Responders and other island residents. Among the first people to congratulate the crew were Herm tenants John and Julia Singer. It is believed to be the first car to be seen on Herm since the 1960s.
A flotilla of support boats including the Flying Christine III escorted the bright yellow converted car on the trip. The Guernsey to Herm leg followed the successful crossing from Guernsey to Sark, which took place earlier in the month.
Paul Phillips said: “It was a good crossing, despite the weather looking a bit miserable at first with some fog and drizzle, but that cleared, the winds dropped and the sun came out just in time. We had a more powerful outboard motor for this trip, which was loaned to us by Steve Clark from Commercial Trade Centre, so we made good progress. We did have a bit of water coming in, but we were able to keep it down by pumping it out now and then.”
Gary Ward said: “As we left St Peter Port we did get some strange looks and comments from some French tourists who could not quite believe the car would float, but I’m happy to say that it did – and we made the crossing in good time”
Gary added: “I would like to express my thanks to James Way, the Harbour Master for allowing the use of the Harbour RIB to accompany us, after one of our guard boats had to pull out at short notice. I would also like to thank Whiteway Motors for providing the fuel for the car, Jon Marquis at Cuckcoo Lane Farm for donating the hog roast and the team at the White House for the catering.”
Money raised from the hog roast is also being donated to the Flying Christine fund.
Chief Ambulance Officer John Atkins said: “Gary and Paul have triumphed again. We are very grateful to them and to the other marine ambulance volunteers who have put so much time and effort into this challenge. Thanks too, to everyone who has supported the fundraising effort in their different ways, from the businesses who gave their skills and services to help prepare the car to everyone who has donated to help keep the Flying Christine III maintained and operational so it can carry out its lifesaving work in the islands.”
Paul added: “Money is still coming in, but we have raised about £15,000 so far from the trip to Sark and Herm. We’d like to keep adding to that total, so the fundraising doesn’t stop here. I would really encourage people to donate now via the ambulance.gg website or by scanning the QR code on the car or on any of the posters.”
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 Phillips directly on 07781 116309. Donations can also be made in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais
Flying Christine III, is a charitable asset operated by Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service and crewed by skilled volunteers from the marine community who make up the pool of coxswains, navigators and engineers. The purpose-built marine ambulance, which is equipped like a road ambulance, carries paramedic teams to Herm, Sark and Alderney, delivering advanced pre-hospital care and medical transport for the sick and injured.
