Royal Navy trainees experience 'high-octane' day at sea on fleet's 'smallest but fastest' boat
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Phase two weapons engineering trainees from HMS Collingwood, in Fareham, were given the ‘high-octane’ insight on patrol boat HMS Sabre.
The team of freshly-qualified sailors have only just passed their basic training at HMS Raleigh and are now working on their specialist training before heading to the fleet.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey will be responsible for keeping ships fighting fit by maintaining communications kit, sensors and weaponry.
Sabre’s four-strong crew took six trainees a day out to hone their basic seamanship, navigation and man overboard drills.
Lieutenant Chris Cotterill, Sabre’s commanding officer, said: ‘Having conducted similar training for Victory Squadron last year, my team and I were keen to continue supporting the phase two element of HMS Collingwood and provide practical, hands-on training serials. The feedback from the trainees has been positive throughout.’
At 52ft long, Sabre is the smallest vessel in the fleet – but with a speed of 32 knots, she is the fastest.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSabre is part of the navy’s coastal forces squadron, which is made up of P2000 and Scimitar-class patrol boats.
The vessel spent almost 20 years guarding the waters around Gibraltar before returning to the UK in September 2020.
Since then, Sabre has been used to support training and provide security for HMS Queen Elizabeth’s homecoming late last year.
Looking for the latest Royal Navy updates from Portsmouth? Join our new Royal Navy news Facebook group to keep up to date.
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.