A NEW flagship for the Civil Service Sailing Association's charter fleet has been commissioned at Hamble's Mercury Yacht Harbour by Lady Diane Turnbull, wife of Cabinet Secretary Sir Andrew Turnbull.

The yacht, Sea Essay of Hamble will join a fleet of three other CSSA dedicated yachts, based round the country, enabling staff in the public sector to sail offshore.

Based at Mercury Yacht Harbour on the Hamble River, the new yacht will sail under the flag of the CSSA and her cruising grounds will be the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay from Dover to La Rochelle.

Sir Andrew, who is the CCSA's Commodore, said: "These yachts provide a vital recreational and training outlet for civil service staff."