The MV Galexy had been obtained as a scrap vessel by the CM, originally for the purposes of recovering the impressive Gardner Marine 8 cylinder diesel engine. However, once the general condition of the vessel had been ascertained, it was decided to refurbish her, as a club vessel, for meetings and pleasure cruises. At the time these pictures were taken, in May 1988, no one could have remotely guessed, that this tiny little boat would make radio history for herself, just four years later by becoming home to the UK's first nautical 28 day RSL service, Offshore 1584.
Perhaps it was somewhat fortunate that my one and only tender trip was unable to reach the Ross, as the vessel was followed back in-shore by the Kent police launch. Although nothing came of this incident, during the following weekend, after a successful voyage to the Ross, the Galexy was boarded by said officers who then questioned those on board about alleged (imaginery) offences. Needless to say, no offences had been committed by any person onboard the Galexy, although the organiser of the trips later received more personal visits from the boys in blue. No prosecutions ever followed (as no laws had been broken!) although the authorities seemed determined to put various people under serious psychological pressure. Suffice it to say, a lot of taxpayers money had been wasted for absolutely no purpose whatsoever.
Five years later, I finally managed to visit the Ross Revenge, although by this time, her Offshore broadcasting era was well and truly over, and she was secured to the Western Docks, in Dover.
The Galexy as Offshore 1584
Radio London 30 years on. RSL August 1997.
[Radio Caroline] [Offshore 1584] [Radio London]
[Radio in Ireland 1980-1988] [Alans Real Audio] [Alans Radio Links] [Odds and Ends]
