Across the Channel with East Sussex 1

The MVS’s National Training vessel East Sussex 1 has undertaken her first cross Channel voyage since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sailing from Eastbourne to Calais and back, 11 members from five Units took part in the training trip which provided experience in coastal navigation, including a substantial night time passage, crossing the very busy traffic separation scheme in the Dover Strait along with port entry and exits.

Skipper for the trip was East Sussex Sovereign Harbour Unit’s head Greg Darby.
He said: “This has been a really worthwhile exercise.
As well as learning a lot, MVS volunteers from all around the country have gained experience of working together as a crew on a substantial passage.
Everybody pulled together really well.”

While the 17 metre ex-RN launch is based at Eastbourne and is maintained by the East Sussex Unit, members from all of the MVS’s 20 plus units around the country are encouraged to sail on her as part of their training.