Navy Day

The Navy arrived in Chichester Harbour today, in the form of Acorn, possibly the first ever Cornish pilot gig to sail under the white ensign.

The plastic gig, completed in navy blue (of course) with a white gunwale, has been bought for use by trainees at HMS Collingwood, the Navy's training establishment and said to be the largest training orgaisation in Europe. HMS Collingwood is a stone frigate, a bricks-and-mortar establishment on shore, but still called HMS in accordance with tradition.

Called Acorn, the gig is kept at Whale Island in Portsmouth Harbour but will be appearing in Chichester Harbour fairly often, I believe. 

Acorn was taken out for a spin by members of Langstone Cutters Gig Club, who said she moves well through the water.

A great addition to Britain's Navy. And despite the latest round of defence cuts, another is on the way.