Car heads from shore to sea for Flying Christine

A car went from needing to be pulled along the road to slipping out to sea at the weekend – all for a good cause.

Olivia Thompson

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The drive to Herm will take place on 28 August before the team take to the waters again to drive to Sark a week later on 5 September. / Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin

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Gary Ward and Paul Phillips will drive the car across to Herm later this month to raise money for the Flying Christine III, having completed a similar challenge more than 30 years ago.

The car was pulled from Bulwer Avenue into St Peter Port before being officially launched into the water by Lt-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell.

‘It was very warm, but we had a good group of lads involved so it was good,’ said Mr Phillips.

They were escorted by Channel Seaways’ Rob Steen and Neil Woodward on motorbikes at either end.

The crew set off at 11.30 and even with some breaks they managed to get the car to the Model Yacht Pond by 1.30pm.

The St John Ambulance and Rescue Service completed a charity car pull to raise funds for the Flying Christine III. / Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin

Mr Phillips said since the last time they had undertaken the challenge there had been changes in technology which had changed the way the car needed to be prepared for the challenge.

‘We took the engine out and anything heavy and filled it with polystyrene, and any holes have been filled with expanding foam,’ he said.

‘It’s powered by an outboard engine, and the wheels will steer it.’

Volunteers have been working on converting the bright yellow car since March with the support of several local businesses.

Mr Phillips said that this challenge would be a special one as it is in memory of friend and crew member John Vaudin.

The car, which has been modified to float, dipped into the sea from the old lifeboat slipway on Castle Emplacement. / Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin

The drive to Herm will take place on 28 August before the team take to the waters again to drive to Sark a week later on 5 September.

The monies raised are intended to 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 Flying Christine III is a charitable asset and this boat, along with its predecessors, has saved countless lives over the years,’ said Mr Ward.

‘It has delivered life-saving treatment and transported many very ill people to hospital. It has also seen new lives being brought into the world. That is only possible thanks to the support and generosity of the public.’