NAVY NEWS, DECEMBER 2009 19
Locks, docks and two Royals
SHE is a ‘tad’ smaller than the
carrying the Duke of Edinburgh (and some “interesting navigational training”. glorious sunshine as the P2000s glided Express’ Commanding Offi cer Lt James
Royal Yacht (by about 5,700
fl ying his standard, of course). Then it’s under the two expansive in then sailed briefl y around the dock Reynolds.
tonnes and 350ft), and the
The two university boats (Exploit Severn bridges before entering the lock basin to cheers and whoops from local Royal duties done, the two URNU
serves the students of England’s second at Sharpness and 16 miles of man-made schoolchildren, and whistles and sirens vessels resumed more regular duties: a
furnishings and décor don’t city) made the rare journey inland to waterway to Gloucester. from boats in the docks, before coming sea training weekend for 24 students
quite match Britannia.
support the Royal visit to Gloucester’s “I’ve been around the world with the to a stop outside the new Gloucester from the Universities of Birmingham and
But for ten minutes, the Royal
transformed docks; rather like HMS Royal Navy, done some great things, seen College building. Wales.
Standard fl uttered from Her Majesty’s
Vernon in Portsmouth, the site has been some amazing places, but this was a fi rst With that the Royals departed, their Phew, we managed to get to the
Ship Express as the small patrol vessel
turned into a waterfront shopping/leisure – a real highlight,” enthused LET(ME) standards were lowered and the Beeb bottom of the article without saying that
carried Her Majesty.
complex surrounded by luxury fl ats. Jamie Dougal, Express’ weapons hopped aboard Express for a live the boats managed to exploit an excellent
The Queen joined the Wales University
The P2000s are normally found in engineer offi cer. broadcast for BBC News. PR opportunity for the RN thanks
Royal Navy boat at Gloucester’s Roman
Penarth Marina just outside Cardiff. The Queen and Duke of “It’s been a highlight for the ship’s to their express delivery of two Royal
Quay, travelled down the Gloucester-
They’re the only RN vessels (apart from Edinburgh fl ew in from Windsor company and the students who personages…
Sharpness Canal, sailed under a new
survey motor launch Gleaner) which can and joined their respective vessels have worked so hard showing real
lifting bridge, negotiated two locks, and
make it this far inland apparently – not (the sea boats were removed to team work preparing the ship, ● Crowds cheer as HMS Express –
departed once the P2000 berthed in the
that it’s an easy passage. create a little more space on producing a polished and well- fl ying the Royal Standard – enters
city’s docks.
First, there’s the Bristol Channel to the quarterdeck). executed performance, not just Gloucester’s historic docks with the
And just for good measure, hot on
negotiate; it possesses the second highest Thousands of people lined for the Queen, but also for the Queen aboard
Express’ heels came her sister Exploit
tidal range in the world, making for the rejuvenated quayside in people of Gloucester,” said Picture: LA(Phot) Pete Smith, FRPU East
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019_NN_Dec.indd 1 20/11/09 10:27:54
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