Sea Darts returned to the Royal Navy inventory for a day as two of the world’s top players dropped in on HMS Lancaster.
After the busiest month in her 32-year career, the frigate sailed into base in Bahrain to give her 180 (ish) crew a welcome break – which coincided with the kingdom hosting the Professional Darts Corporation’s Bahrain Darts Masters.
Two-time world champion Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright – instantly recognisable from his bright Mohican hairstyle – and Rob ‘Voltage’ Cross, a fellow former holder of the top title, were invited aboard the frigate by crew.
The pair were given a comprehensive tour of the warship, were filmed by TV crews for a segment on the tournament (which was hosted at Bahrain’s F1 motor racing circuit complex) and sat down for a Q&A session with the ship’s company.
A few members of HMS Lancaster were able to throw a few legs of darts with the players and Peter donated a signed shirt along with other darts goods before the pair invited 40 sailors to join them as their guests… with Lieutenant Jamie Nicholls, Warrant Officer Ben Hayne and Chief Petty Officer Adam Powlesland enjoying VIP access. That lead to some frequent appearances on the telly.
“Following a busy period at sea over Christmas and New Year, everyone really got into the World Championships on BFBS, with the new kid on the block, Luke Littler,” said Lieutenant Nicholls, Lancaster’s deputy marine engineer officer – and big darts fan.
“Hosting Peter and Rob on board was an amazing experience and to see the positive effect they had on the ship’s company, made it extra special. The players, managers and media team thoroughly enjoyed their time onboard.”
Adam added: “I have always been a huge fan of the darts, regularly attending events back home in the UK. To get two great players on board including Peter Wright who has always been my favourite player and to meet them and chat about the game was an unforgettable experience.
“Then to go and watch them play in a televised event is one I will look back on in my Naval career as a cherished memory.”
(For those who don’t follow the sport, Peter and Rob were both knocked out in the quarter finals, while teenage sensation Luke Littler lifted the title and took home the £20k prize money.)
Pictures: ET(CIS) Mike Allen, HMS Lancaster
