The Flying Christine floating car has safely arrived in Sark, successfully completing the first leg of its fundraising challenge on Saturday 5 September 2026.
The bright yellow converted car took just under two and a half hours to make the journey from Guernsey. Leaving St Peter Port at 9:30 am, it arrived in Creux Harbour just before midday, marking the successful return of a challenge first undertaken 34 years ago.
The car was crewed by long serving marine ambulance volunteers Gary Ward and Paul Phillips, who previously took part in a similar challenge to raise funds towards the construction of Flying Christine III.
For Gary, arriving in Sark was an emotional moment. “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,” he said. “It was also great to see the Lieutenant Governor waving us off from the shore. The crossing went really well, I was actually very impressed with the sea keeping qualities of the car. It felt quite stable, even around the Bec du Nez where there was a bit of swell. I am really pleased we managed to pull it off again after 34 years.”
Paul shared the excitement of completing the crossing, saying: “Words can’t explain how I feel. It has been such a great day. I can’t quite believe we did it. We’ve had such great support to make this happen, so I really hope people will dig deep and we can raise a good amount for the Flying Christine.”
The floating car was accompanied by several support vessels and guard boats, including a retired lifeboat and Flying Christine III itself. The team expressed their thanks to the owners and operators of the boats for their support, as well as to all the sponsors and members of the public who have donated to the appeal.
After receiving a warm welcome from well wishers and members of the Sark fire and ambulance services, the car was towed up the hill to the Avenue before being taken to the Island Hall. It will remain in Sark for a week before undertaking the next leg of the challenge to Herm, which had been rescheduled due to poor weather the previous week.
The challenge is raising funds for the Bailiwick’s marine ambulance, helping to keep Flying Christine III maintained and operational so that it can continue providing its lifeline service across the Bailiwick.
Operated by Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue Service, Flying Christine III is a purpose built marine ambulance, fully equipped like a road ambulance. It transports paramedics to the other islands of the Bailiwick to provide life saving care and conveys sick and injured patients to Guernsey for further treatment.
Chief Ambulance Officer John Atkins praised Gary and Paul for completing the crossing to Sark.
“I am very proud of Gary and Paul for their achievement, completing the crossing to Sark. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the challenge has been amazing – as has their dedication to the marine ambulance service over many years,” he said. “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.”
Behind the scenes, a team of marine ambulance volunteers spent many hours transforming the car, making it watertight and buoyant in preparation for the challenge. They were supported by a number of local businesses who contributed their time and materials to the project.
Gary also paid tribute to those who helped make the challenge possible, saying: “I’d like to make special mention of Mick Le Tissier and Tom Sauvarin who have put in many hours. We’re also dedicating the day to John Vaudin one of our volunteers who sadly passed away this year.”
The successful crossing to Sark is an important milestone in the fundraising challenge and reflects the continued dedication of the volunteers, supporters and community members working to help maintain the Flying Christine III marine ambulance and its vital service to the Bailiwick.
Businesses and individuals wishing to support the sailing car challenge can donate through the Ambulance and Rescue Service website by selecting “Support the Flying Christine III marine ambulance”, or by clicking here. You can also contact Paul Philips on 07781 116309. Donations can also be made in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais.
