Sark may be famously car-free, but that didn’t stop the Bailiwick’s ambulance service ‘driving’ there from Guernsey.
The Flying Christine floating car arrived safely in Sark on Saturday, successfully completing the first leg of a fundraising challenge.
The car – which has been converted to be able to float – left St Peter Port at 09:30 and arrived in Creux Harbour just before midday, taking just under two and a half hours to complete the crossing.
34 years after their first similar challenge, Gary Ward and Paul Phillips, both long-serving marine ambulance volunteers, crewed the car alongside Mr Ward’s pup.
“It feels awesome, we did it in two hours 18 minutes 34 years ago, and we’ve done it in two hours 20 minutes today,” said Mr Phillips.
“We had a slight problem with some of the fendering coming off, so it slowed us down a little bit. But I mean, we got here.”
Mr Ward said that he was elated: “It was such an amazing feeling arriving in Sark and we had a fantastic welcome from the Sarkees, just like last time which was brilliant.
“The crossing went really well, I was actually very impressed with the sea keeping qualities of the car, it felt stable even around the Bec du Nez where there was a bit of swell.”
The challenge is raising funds for the Bailiwick’s marine ambulance, to help keep the Flying Christine III maintained and operational so it can continue its lifeline service for the Bailiwick.
John Atkins, Chief Ambulance Officer said: “I am very proud of Paul and Gary for their achievement.
“Their enthusiasm and dedication to the challenge has been amazing, as has their dedication to the marine ambulance service over many years.
“Covering the ongoing costs of running the marine ambulance is expensive, but this initiative will make a significant contribution to help keep the lifeline service running.”
The car will stay in Sark for a week before doing the next leg over to Herm.
