As you may know, the Little Dunkirk Ships completed their Return to Dunkirk last week with a flotilla of 66 boats heading out from Ramsgate, escorted by boats from the Royal Navy and the RNLI. There were also several spectator boats out to watch the spectacular departure.
The trip usually takes place every 5 years, though the planned crossing in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID, and so this was the first return since 2015. HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO is the Honorary Admiral of the Association of Little Dunkirk Ships and was present in Ramsgate to take the salute during a special commemoration event. The footage from the event has been spectacular, so do find some to watch if you have not already.
Ian Gilbert, one of CLYC’s Committee Members and Hon. Vice Admiral of the Association of Little Dunkirk Ships led a tour of his lovely boat Lady Lou, before the crossing. You can find the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ieLIsFoamK0?si=mMx6En8BH2Ssxxdn
In addition to Ian, another of our esteemed CLYC members Kevin Finn, who is also Commodore of the Association of Little Dunkirk Ships, undertook the crossing on his boat, Brown Owl. CLYC Club Admiral, Tony Morrow, was also in attendance to watch the moving commemoration events in Ramsgate.
The boats were due back to cross back from France on 26th May, though many were stormbound due to the harsh weather in the Channel. We were glad to see the weather this weekend was a lot more palatable, and they were able to return safely back to home waters.