Maritime Volunteer Service East Sussex

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

“During the war…”

“No, Uncle Albert, not everything starts during the war…”

“Well alright Rodney, but if you spend enough time around boats and volunteers, every story starts to sound the same.”

Standing on the quayside at Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour watching our lot from the Maritime Volunteer Service wandering aboard the Nao Santa María, I had to smile.

Three of our Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour Unit members, led by Deputy Unit Leader Robin Russell alongside volunteers Francis Lawrence and Alison Messi, took the opportunity on Friday to visit this remarkable vessel during her stay in Eastbourne.

Now Rodney, this ain’t your average day trip.

The Nao Santa María is a modern reconstruction of one of the most historically significant ships ever to sail. Five hundred years ago, vessels like this changed maps, opened trade routes, connected continents and, depending on which history book you pick up, caused no end of arguments ever since.

Walking her four decks gives you a proper sense of scale and perspective. Tiny living spaces, heavy timber construction, and enough rope to make modern sailors quietly appreciate engines, radios and weather apps.

Watching our MVS volunteers taking an interest reminded me what organisations like ours are all about.

Volunteer maritime services are not just turning up for exercises, making tea and arguing over who forgot the lifejackets. They are about preserving seamanship, learning from the past and building capability for the future.

You could almost hear Rodney saying, “Uncle Albert… imagine crossing the Atlantic in that.”

To which there’s only one answer:

“Course we would’ve managed, Rodders… although I’d still have packed a spare engine and a decent flask.”

A brilliant visit and a good reminder that maritime heritage is not something to look at from the shore. It’s something to step aboard and experience.

Well done to Robin, Francis and Alison for flying the flag for Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour Unit and the Maritime Volunteer Service.

15/06/2026

ES1 making her way home.

15/06/2026

“During the war…” Uncle Albert began, taking a slow sip and staring into the middle distance.

Trigger looked up. “This about the navy again?”

“No Trigger… though there was water involved.”

Well, after an extended spell in dry dock and more patching up than Del Boy’s old Reliant, East Sussex 1 finally made her way from Gosport back to Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne.

Now before anyone starts thinking this was some luxury cruise, let me paint the picture…

Minimal crew aboard. Minimal kit. No doors on the bridge house. Wind where wind shouldn’t be. A vessel held together more by determination than decoration.

Trigger nodded. “Sounds like my broom.”

Albert pointed across the pub.

“Exactly! People only ever see the shiny bit at the end. They don’t see the graft. They don’t see the hours keeping something afloat when common sense says leave it tied up.”

She’s back where she belongs now and there’s still work ahead. A few more jobs to complete, a coat of paint in places, plenty of fettling and making good.

But she made the journey.

And if all goes to plan, East Sussex 1 should be fully up and running again in the next few weeks.

Not bad for a boat with no doors.

Onwards and upwards.

ES1 returns to harbour.

12/06/2026

“During the war…” Well… not during the war this time… but after what’s felt like a campaign in dry dock worthy of the Royal Navy itself, old ES1 is finally back afloat.

She’s had more work done than Trigger’s broom. Extensive repairs in the bridge house, leaks chased down and sorted, and enough attention underneath the skin to keep the old girl going for plenty more voyages yet.

Now she’ll be making her steady passage back into Sovereign Harbour where the Unit will carry out the final push to get her shipshape, seaworthy and ready to pass muster once again. With a fair wind and a bit of graft, the aim is to have her back in service in the next few weeks.

And that matters.

Because while she’s been alongside, ES1 hasn’t been able to carry out her usual community commitments. No cadet units getting out on the water. No WI trips. No chance for local people to get aboard and learn something of the sea, seamanship and life afloat.

People often only see the finished article. They don’t see the hours, effort and quiet determination it takes to keep something like this alive and serving the community.

So if you see the team down at Sovereign Harbour working away, give them a wave, a shout of encouragement, or better still, come and get involved.

As Del Boy would say… this time next month, we might just be cruising.

01/05/2026

“During the war…” — that’s how it always starts, ain’t it Del? 😄

Well this time it’s not the North Atlantic, it’s Sovereign Harbour, and instead of dodging U-boats we’ve got the MVS lads shifting a proper old girl called Petrel.

Tuesday down Kings Head way, you’d have liked it. Bit of teamwork, bit of graft, no nonsense. The crew got her off the moorings nice and steady, then the MVS RIB took her in tow across the harbour like she’d done it a hundred times before. No drama, just quiet competence. That’s what you want.

Once alongside, she was lifted out, set onto a trailer, and straight into the boatyard. No hanging about. Work started there and then. Proper job.

We’ll keep you posted as Petrel gets the attention she deserves. Bit of care, bit of effort, and she’ll be back where she belongs before long.