New boat welcomed by Cobnor activities centre

TS Resolute as it has been named, is the purpose built replacement for the Gerald Daniel, which was taken away after 25 years service as a residential boat for visitors on courses at the centre.

TS Resolute was brought to the harbour after being fitted out in Portchester.

It marks a major milestone for the project which is hoped will be completed over the winter months when the boat is finished off in time for the new season in March.

Chief executive of the CYE Norman Doney said: “The whole project has been exciting and challenging, but very fulfilling to see it now come in.

“It has been four years of planning and working on the project since its inception as a vision we have been working it though all that time.

“It’s really exciting to see it in place, we are very much looking forward to putting it in operation next season.

“It’s going to be a massive boost, it gives us a few more beds, up from 38 to 50.

“We could not operate in the middle of winter because we could not heat the previous ship.”

HMS Sidlesham, or The Gerald Daniel as she was known, was built in 1955 and has been at Cobnor in Chichester Harbour for 39 years.

She was initially brought there in 1971 as an accommodation ship for West Sussex Police Cadets. The charity Christian Youth Enterprises Sailing Centre took over the ship in 1985, establishing a sailing and activity centre used by schools and youth groups.

The Gerald Daniel had served the charity well for 25 years as an exciting accommodation ship with a fully equipped galley, beds for 41 people and a meeting/dining room.

The Gerald Daniel, which was removed from her berth on October 7 2010, was taken to her new home on The River Thames.

For more information about the project and fundraising visit www.cyesc.blogspot.com