by CARYS WILLIAMS
Submariners are accustomed to operating in demanding environments where success depends upon every individual pulling in the same direction.
That teamwork took a more visible form as personnel from across the Flotilla gathered at the Helensburgh Rugby Club on Wednesday to compete for the historic HMS Dolphin Tug-of-War Challenge Cup.
Submariners came together for the reinvigorated SUBFLOT Sports Day, an event designed to strengthen cohesion, foster friendly competition and celebrate the spirit of the Submarine Service. The event centred on the eagerly anticipated Battle of the Boats Tug of War Final.
The competition traces its origins to two successful Battle of the Boats events held earlier this year at HMNB Clyde and HMNB Devonport. Following positive feedback from participants at the events, Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines and Commander Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Ben Haskins CBE, suggested the development of a larger Flotilla-wide event built around a Tug of War competition between Submariners.
The previous Tug of War events became qualifiers and pitted two teams against each other for the historic HMS Dolphin Tug of War Challenge Cup. The trophy was first competed for in 1929 and was recently revived for this year as part of ongoing SM125 celebrations. Since its return, the trophy has already generated enthusiastic competition throughout the year.
Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Iain Hamblin, who has been instrumental in helping revive the HMS Dolphin Tug of War Trophy, said: “The trophy represents an important piece of submarine heritage. Seeing Submariners competing once again for the honour of having their boat’s name associated with it has generated tremendous enthusiasm across the Service.”
HMS Vigilant emerged triumphant from the Clyde competition, whilst HMS Triumph triumphed in Devonport, which set the stage for the eagerly awaited final in Helensburgh earlier in the week. Although HMS Triumph was decommissioned in 2025, several submariners remain formally affiliated with the boat while post-decommissioning activities, career transitions and administrative processes are completed.
After a well-fought battle, HMS Triumph emerged victorious and claimed The Dolphin Cup and bragging rights!
Lieutenant Paddy Sheekey, Officer in Charge, SUBFLOT People Hub, said: “The Battle of the Boats concept has already demonstrated how much appetite exists across the Submarine Service for friendly competition and opportunities to come together as one team.
“The Sports Day builds on that success and provides an opportunity for submariners from across the Flotilla to reconnect, compete and strengthen the bonds that underpin operational effectiveness.”
The Dolphin Cup Final may have been the headline attraction, but the wider Battle of the Boats competition was designed to ensure the entire Flotilla could take part. A Plate Competition ran alongside the main trophy contest, creating further opportunities for rivalry, teamwork and bragging rights between boats, waterfront organisations and supporting units.
The event also included a BBQ, providing an opportunity for personnel to spend time together away from the operational environment. Funding was secured to support the venue hire, catering and event delivery, with up to 300 personnel in attendance.
After the success of the event, organisers are hoping that the event will establish a lasting tradition. Discussions are already underway to make the Sports Day an annual fixture, with future events potentially alternating between HMNB Clyde and HMNB Devonport.