Flying Christine volunteers to drive a car to Herm and Sark
22 May 2026
Volunteers from Guernsey’s marine ambulance are planning to drive a car from St Peter Port to Herm Island to raise vital funds for the Flying Christine III.
The event is a repeat of a similar challenge which took place in 1993 to help raise money for the building of the boat.
The team, who are all volunteer boat crew and experienced mariners, have been preparing the car to make it seaworthy and launched their fundraising initiative at the Seafront Sunday event on 17th May.
Gary Ward, Volunteer Operations Manager and former coxswain, who took part in the 1994 event, is leading the project. Gary said: “With the boat undergoing an essential mechanical overhaul, I decided it was a good opportunity to re-enact what Paul Phillips and myself did in 1993. We marinised a car then and sailed it from Guernsey to Sark raising several thousands of pounds. At the time, the new marine ambulance Flying Christine III was being built and funds were very short, so we wanted to do our bit and raise the profile.
“The crossing to Sark in 1993 was quite pleasant, it took just over two hours and the car stood up well. When we got to Sark, the Sark folk were extremely generous and they towed us around the island behind a tractor.
“We are now 33 years later, in a similar position where funds are much needed, not just for the renovation but for the longer-term financial future. We have almost completed the new car conversion and I’d like to thank all of the volunteers and everyone else who has helped us get this far”.
Paul Phillips, volunteer Flying Christine engineer, was also part of the previous challenge with Gary, his dog Cass and Buz White. Paul added: “I remember feeling a bit apprehensive when we sailed last time but once we launched, it was a great feeling. We thought replicating this challenge would be a great way to once again raise funds some 33 years later.”
The team is hoping to raise as much money as possible through donations and sponsorship. Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at ambulance.gg, by sending a cheque made payable to ‘St John Ambulance and Rescue Service’, or by using the QR code below
