Sailing Car Challenge – date confirmed

The Flying Christine floating car challenge is now set to take place this Saturday (5^th September) from Guernsey to Sark. The bright yellow converted car is due to leave from the Old Lifeboat Slipway, near the Model Yacht Pond on Castle Emplacement at around 09:30hrs on its journey to Maseline Harbour.

The crossing is subject to the weather, with Sunday set aside as a reserve date.

The car had been scheduled to undertake the first leg to Herm last Friday, but the crossing was postponed due to the weather. The Herm leg is due to be rescheduled for a new date in the coming weeks.

The challenge is raising funds for the Bailiwick’s marine ambulance and being undertaken by the same two volunteers who completed a similar challenge 34 years ago.  Monies raised will help keep the Flying Christine maintained and operational so it can continue its lifeline service carrying paramedics to the other islands of the Bailiwick and transporting the sick and injured for further care in Guernsey.

The car has been transformed by marine ambulance volunteers with the support of local businesses.

Organiser Gary Ward, who was part of the team which undertook a similar challenge more than 30 years ago said: “We are very excited and eager to go. We were a little disappointed to postpone the Herm leg last week, but safety has to be the top priority. We had this weekend pencilled in for Sark, and the Sarkees have arranged events and activities for when we arrive, so we have decided to go straight to Sark and we will reschedule the Herm crossing for a later date.”

Crewmate Paul Philips added: “Fundraising has been going well, but with a date now set for the challenge we really ask people to dig deep and support us. We really need a few big donations to make it all worthwhile. There’s a been a lot of work, all undertaken by volunteers to get us to this point and get the car ready and the car has attracted a lot of attention during the summer, but this is what we’ve all been building up to.”

Any businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor the sailing car challenge can contact Paul Philips on 07781 116309 or email ambulance.rescue@ambulance.gg. Donations can also be made by clicking ‘Support the Flying Chistine III marine ambulance’ via ambulance.gg or in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais.