The RSGB "Lighthouses on the Air" weekend was celebrated by CARS with an invitation by Andrew G0IBN to operate from the old Trinity Light Vessel 15 moored at Tollesbury on the Essex Marches.

Martyn, G1EFL (left) & host Andrew, G0IBN
Photographs by Steve, G4ZUL

Fellowship Afloat's centre is a unique place for adventure, relaxation and exploring the environment.  Based on a converted light vessel moored on the coast, it's an ideal activity venue for youth clubs, schools, churches, special needs groups and those wishing to gain sailing qualifications.   Guests are served by the centre staff and expert volunteers who form the lively Christian community which is Fellowship Afloat.

A nicely laid gravel path winds its way to the lightship - but it is still possible for it to flood at high tide & to get wet!

        Andrew on the microphone & Rick, G3YEC.

Rick, G3YEC          

                        Andrew deep in a QSL.

Andrew operates from a cabin on the main deck.

With the help of Terence , G3GLL, we managed to get the whip aerial onto the helicopter deck for our signals to have a good take off.

Steve, G4ZUL, Martyn, G1EFL, Rick, G3YEC and myself alternated between CW and SSB.
Below is an E-Mail I sent to the directors of Fellowship Afloat:

Dear David and Andrew, many thanks for letting myself and the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society members use the Lightship.

We had a successful Saturday, the whip areial on the helicopter deck once again doing a fine job and the weather was kind to us.

Our best contacts were to New Zealand and Texas.   Many other contacts were made to Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Belarus, Hungary, Russia, Czech, Slovenia, Germany, Lithuania, Belgium, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Bulgaria, Greece, France, Austria, Ireland and Portugal.

A good time was had by all.

Many thanks once again.

Report by Andrew, G0IBN.

A good Saturday was had by all with 244 contacts made…..thanks to the Andrew and the Fellowship Afloat for the opportunity to use the Light Vessel.