Sign in Subscribe

Scene on the Sound

Scene on the Sound: w/e Aug 28 2026

Scene on the Sound: w/e Aug 28 2026

By The Captain (Royal Navy retired) - the Beagle's maritime correspondent keeps his eye on the comings and goings in The Sound The change in the weather brought the Trinity House Vessel Patricia into anchor off Cawsand for a couple of days. Probably the sea was too rough for

Jet pig, Yellow pig: spotting and identifying the various autonomous vessels in Plymouth Sound

Jet pig, Yellow pig: spotting and identifying the various autonomous vessels in Plymouth Sound

By The Captain, maritime correspondent to The Beagle The University of Plymouth runs an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) programme from Coxside, with objectives of teaching and carrying out research into USVs. The School of Biological and Marine Sciences is also involved in delivering accredited courses, training and data acquisition for

Meet 'The Pioneer' - the unmanned sea vessel setting the pace for European marine innovation, from Turnchapel!

Meet 'The Pioneer' - the unmanned sea vessel setting the pace for European marine innovation, from Turnchapel!

Plymouth has established itself as one of Europe's leading centres for unmanned surface vessel (USV) innovation, combining world-class marine research, naval expertise, advanced marine technology companies and a designated proving environment in and around Plymouth Sound. Last month, one of the leaders in the sector, ACUA Ocean,

Portland, Scott and USVs

Portland, Scott and USVs

Scene on the Sound, Friday July 31 2026 Plenty of activity on and around the Sound this week, but not much that has been newsworthy on the naval front. HMS Ships Portland and Scott are still around and, probably, conducting a mix of trials and training in the local areas.

Dauntless, Neustrashimy and Aurora

Dauntless, Neustrashimy and Aurora

Scene on the Sound, Friday July 24, 2026 There has been quite a bit of naval activity this week – even if one ignores the Russians! HMS Dauntless sailed from Devonport, back to the local areas, on Monday morning - and that evening the German frigate FGS Sachsen returned (she was last

Scott, wonky lighthouses, and repairs to West Hoe Pier - SOTS Saturday July 11 2026

Scott, wonky lighthouses, and repairs to West Hoe Pier - SOTS Saturday July 11 2026

The Captain has been in Europe since late May, but hopefully normal service will now be resumed. Plymouth Sound certainly looks wonderful at the moment and one does have to wonder why anyone bothers to brave the European Entry/Exit System - ‘though if you do decide to go, Roscoff may

Nuclear sub in the Sound

Nuclear sub in the Sound

By 'The Captain' - Royal Navy (retired), maritime correspondent for The Beagle The main source of interest in the Sound this week has been the arrival of an Astute-class nuclear submarine (SSN). The Royal Navy has six Astutes in commission, with one more on order. However, these boats