MESSINA was formerly known as PRIDE OF BRISTOL and is an ex Royal Navy port tender/training ship of the ‘Manly’ class. She was launched on March 5th, 1982 and completed in September 1982.
In May 1995 she was put up for sale by the RMAS and in 1996 she was acquired by the Pride of Bristol Trust who renamed her PRIDE OF BRISTOL. The Pride of Bristol Trust used her in the provision of free or subsidised character building sea training for local underprivileged youth, free fun or educational trips for special needs children, and in training facilities for local Royal Naval Reservists, Sea Cadets and Police.
On her voyage to Hartlepool she sailed under her own power from the port of Avonmouth on May 30th. Making a refuelling stop at Dover on June 1st, she was seen then passing Whitby on the June 3rd before arriving in Hartlepool Marina on June 4th.
She is now registered at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool. Thanks to Derek Hinds for this information.
See also:
http://www.northeastmaritime.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=29448&p=71510&hilit=Pride+of+Bristol#p71510