Royal Navy HMS Pickle Replica Sails to New Home

The Royal Navy will lead a replica of the historic schooner HMS Pickle into her new home in Hull today, 25 September.

Patrol vessel HMS Explorer will escort the recently restored HMS Pickle, the first ship to bring news of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar to the UK, into Hull Marina.

Explorer, which is based in the marina, will rendezvous with HMS Pickle three miles up river before leading her into her berth.

Today Pickle Night is still a big event in the Navy’s calendar, being celebrated each year on November 6.

Among Explorer’s crew is Chief Petty Officer Paul Tock who hails from Hull. The 46-year-old is among five full-time sailors on board.

HMS Explorer is one of 14 patrol vessels attached to universities to give students an understanding of the Royal Navy’s global role. Explorer is linked to the universities of Hull, Sheffield, Leeds and York.

Last month the vessel returned from a two-month deployment to the Baltic where she flew the flag for the UK at various events across ten countries.

A total of 50 students spent ten days each on board as part of their navigation and sea awareness training.

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Image: Royal Navy