P164 HMS Explorer (ex-A154 XSV Explorer), along with P165 HMS Example (ex-A153 XSV Example) and P275 HMS Raider (P2000): Archer-class patrol and training vessels ("Fast Training Boats") in service with British Royal Navy (RN).

Arrived Dover Harbour April 18th, 2011; mini-flotilla left the following day.

HMS Explorer, 1st Patrol Boat Squadron (1PBS), moored among yachts and boats of Tidal Harbour, Dover Marina; red-bricked wall of Dolphin Jetty, or Dolphin Hard Jetty, behind floating pontoon piles on left.

Lord Warden House, ex-Victorian Lord Warden Hotel and World War II 'HMS Wasp' shore station (shore establishment/stone frigate), on right.

HMS Explorer, built for defunct Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS), is attached to Yorkshire Universities Royal Naval Unit (URNU).

Name: HMS Explorer
Status: in active service, as of 2011
Displacement: 49 tons
Length: 20.8 m (68 ft 3 in)
Beam: 5.8 m (19 ft)
Draught: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Propulsion: 2 shafts, Rolls Royce M800T diesels, 1,590 bhp
Speed: 18 knots
Range: 550 nmi (1,020 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h)
Complement: 5 (RN), 1 training officer (RNR), 12 students (URNU) or 12 (RN)

More info on the original P164 HMS Explorer Fast Training Boat and HMS Wasp, Dover Marina webpage.

John Latter / Jorolat

Dover Blog (Social Psychology)