Lookout

Caribbean Wings By
Corporal Mike Donnelly
Leaving
New York for
Gosport
I
recently took part in Exercise Caribbean Wings,
a Joint Services sailing expedition. I applied
and was fortunate enough to get a spot on
my first choice leg, a 3000 mile-plus transatlantic
crossing from New York to Gosport - a decision I
would later question when my stomach was doing
tumble turns hundreds of miles from civilisation
in the middle of the Atlantic! The 15 person crew
consisted of a variety of cap badges ranging from
a Submariner with 30 years of sailing experience
to Army Infantrymen who had never previously
set foot on a boat. The trip was arduous at points,
and we often experienced extreme conditions, but
also once in a lifetime experiences such as sailing
past the Statue of Liberty, close up encounters
with dolphins and swimming in the middle of
the Atlantic.
Beautiful sunset
and calm waters
Sweeping The Board
By Squadron Leader Steve O’Neill
Many of you may be surprised to learn that chess is a
thriving activity within the Armed Forces and an RAF Chess
Association existed as far back as 1964.
Each year a 5-day, seven-round tournament
is held to determine the individual RAF, Army
and Royal Navy champions and also the
Combined Services champion. In addition, the
top 6 military places can qualify to represent
the UK Armed Services at the annual NATO
chess tournament which is to be held this year
in Amsterdam. I am delighted to have played
well at the Inter-Services, gaining 3.5 points
from 7 with 3 wins, 3 losses and one draw thus
qualifying as the team official in Amsterdam.
This will not be my first NATO tournament
and I have been extremely lucky to be the
UK Team Captain on 5 previous occasions as
far afield as Brest, Ankara, Copenhagen, Den
Haag and Brussels. Who would have thought
that a pastime which is not considered as a
recognised sport by the UK Armed Services
could provide such a level of competition and
a chance to travel and represent your country?
However, my competition score of 3.5 from 7,
whilst creditable, pales into insignificance to
the achievements of Squadron Leader Glen
Parker of the SABM. He was unable to defend
his title until this year due to a variety of
reasons including operational tours, paternity
leave and an acute lazy streak!
Glen gained 5 points from the 7 rounds; 4
wins, 2 draws and only one defeat. Along
the way he defeated the previous champion,
Army Sergeant Dave Onley in round 2. In
addition to re-gaining the title of RAF and
Combined Services champion Glen also won
the Combined Services quick play tournament
where each player has just 5 minutes to
complete the whole game.
The victorious Squadron Leader
Parker receiving his many trophies
from the Chairman, Lieutenant
Commander Dave Ross RN.
14 THE LOOKOUT