Normandy by Liveaboard "White Horse"

by by Chris Hunka

I had been looking forward to this trip for some time not least because it was to be my first liveaboard experience and secondly because it was my first diving trip with the club where I wasn't having to do some drills!
John Wilson (JW) and I drove down on the Friday afternoon and put our kit on the place that was to be our home for the next few days, the White Horse. Those of you who are used to luxurious, Red sea , five star live-aboards would instantly recognise our converted trawler as belonging to the rufty-tufty version of five star luxury - hey, it even had a toilet. Although cramped the accommodation was surprisingly comfortable as long as you were organised.
We were told that we would be leaving port at 04.00 next day so the team settled in for an evening of relaxation and a little light refreshment.
The crossing to Normandy was to take about 8-10 hours and was a little uncomfortable for a couple of land lubbers who had forgotten to take their Stugeron seasickness tablets.. It was soon forgotten as we neared the site for the first dive the 'USSA'. My buddy was Barry Vincent (BV) and we had a good first dive to 25m for about 35 minutes.
We docked that night in the French port of St Vaaste La Hougue as we were to for the next couple of nights as well. Locals were friendly and were made welcome in the 'Channel Bar' again for light refreshments only (true, honest)

Day 2 dives were a little more eventful, JW was my buddy this time and we dived the LST523 which had a consignment of Sherman tanks, depth to 28m. Couple of little incidents, JW's fin strap snapped so we decided to abandon after 29 mins but then his reel decided to jam for the DSMB ascent. Luckily we were able to hold on to the wreck and release the jam but I had a spare anyway. Viz generally was about 4-6m. For Dive 2 Brett Champion joined us to explore the USS Meredith, more of a rummage really as the wreck was spread over a wide area. JW spotted a massive lobster and was like a terrier after a rat but the lobby was just a bit too much to take on, particularly at 20m below the surface.

On a liveaboard there is a lot of spare time between dives to make sure your kit is ready, complete the logbooks and chat (and nibble the endless supply of biscuits washed down with tea and coffee). As the weather was fine, the sun was out, so loads of lying in the sun, chatting and generally eating biscuits!

Day 3 and the Susan B Anthony a big wreck of 8100 tons, depth 28m dropping to about 35 on the bottom. Buddy was Brett and we had a good dive, just going into deco so a leisurely 7 minute ascent.. In the afternoon Brett and I were joined by Andy Cook for a nice long rummage and scallop hunt on the Fort Norfolk at 23m.
Final night and dinner at the Channel Bar. Chris Drabble had the most amazing plate of Fruits de Mer for the price of a pint, a modest amount of local vino was consumed (honest). Bit of excitement between some of the locals over a girl brightened this sleepy little port. Back to the boat for last night kip.

Last day dive had to be a quick drift dive as we still had a long 10 hour journey back. This time Jacqui was my buddy but we were both a little disappointed with how little we saw. Mostly it was just a featureless sandy bottom, we saw a couple of crabs and a few brittlestars, still, I like drift dives because it is a little like flying.

In summary it was quite a long trip for just six dives but the company was good, the weather was fine and we got some good dives in.

White Horse Charters
Kingston & Elmbridge BSAC Branch