New crew for the new pilot

Two new crew members have joined or changed roles in Falmouth Harbour’s pilot boat team ahead of the port taking delivery of its new state-of-the-art £1.6m pilot boat this summer – al whose name has been revealed. as “Atlantic”.

Both accomplished sailors and experienced navigators, Ben Turner has stepped up to be appointed Pilot Boat Commander and Abi Rickard joins as Deckhand with the Pilot Ship crews, operating in all conditions 24/7, 365 days a year and performs more than 1,000 boardings and landings per year.

Turner said: “I am looking forward to taking the helm of our fantastic new pilot Atlantic, who has recently been promoted to Commander after a long and intensive period of training.

“I will be incredibly proud to be in command of one of the country’s leading pilot ships and to put her to the test in the unpredictable and often difficult conditions of Falmouth.”

Atlantic – now in the final stages of construction at Holyhead Marine – will be one of the cleanest, safest and most fuel efficient pilot boats in the UK and as one of the few Tier 3 compliant pilot vessels operating in the country, will include features. which helps Falmouth Harbor achieve its sustainability goals.

When in service, she will join Falmouth Harbor’s fleet of pilot vessels alongside the 16.7m Arrow – a modern Halmatic pilot vessel built in 2006 – and will replace Falmouth’s 46-year-old pilot boat LK Mitchell which leaves port for a milder commercial. role on the west coast of Scotland in September.

“I’ve joined a fantastic team in a job I love,” said Rickard. “I was working in the marine industry as a technical assistant, but I have my maritime qualifications and wanted more time on the water, away from a desk, so it’s perfect – it’s a real pleasure to come to work every day in this incredible Port.”

Falmouth Harbor CEO Miles Carden said: “Ben and Abi further strengthen our incredible Falmouth Harbor team and we are delighted to welcome them on board. Our pilot crews work tirelessly in all seasons and weather to keep the port open and safe for shipping. It deserves the best equipment, as represented by our new Atlantic pilot ship – which will be an incredible asset for the next 20-30 years.”