Tarquin's Navy Strength First Release - Squadron 771

For over fifty years, the Royal Navy Helicopter Search and Rescue teams have been saving lives across the country. Their missions vary widely, from rescuing stranded walkers to aiding divers, surfers, and holidaymakers in distress along the coast. Operating within a range of 200 nautical miles off the British coastline, they are often called upon to rescue sailors and fishermen from stricken vessels, braving conditions that most aircraft would not even attempt to fly in.

Nowhere is their service more vital than in Cornwall, where the famous 771 Naval Air Squadron—also known as the Ace of Clubs—operates from their base at Culdrose. The sight of the magnificent Sea King helicopter is a familiar one, particularly near the rugged and sometimes dangerous coastline that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Ready to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the squadron can scramble a helicopter in just 15 minutes, with another waiting on standby should the need arise.

Their area of operation includes the Cornish peninsula, the Isles of Scilly, and the Atlantic Channel, with over 200 missions flown annually—a number that continues to rise. True to their motto, "non nobis solum," meaning "not unto us alone," they embody the principle of "the greater good," saving countless lives. With the Ace of Clubs insignia proudly displayed on their Sea King helicopters, these courageous men and women undertake rescue missions regardless of the dangers they may face.

While much of the focus is on pilots and aircrew, the squadron’s engineers also deserve recognition. Without their tireless efforts maintaining the aging Sea King fleet, the pilots would never leave the ground. The helicopters, based on 1950s technology, have been continuously retrofitted to meet modern standards. Since entering service in 1969, the fleet has amassed over 1.54 million flying hours. Maintaining them requires 130 engineers, with approximately 30 man-hours needed for every hour of flight time.

Sadly, the era of the Sea Kings—and Royal Navy Search and Rescue itself—is coming to an end. Like many British institutions, the service is being privatized, with American company Bristow Helicopters set to take over operations in 2017. They secured the contract with a £1.6 billion bid, bringing modern aircraft and updated operations. This transition will see 771 Squadron reassigned to new duties, marking the end of an iconic chapter in rescue operations.

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To honour the incredible work of 771 Squadron, South Western Distillery has launched a limited edition of its world-renowned Tarquin’s Gin. Named Tarquins Rescue 193 Navy Strength Limited Edition—with "193" referencing the squadron’s call sign—this release is a tribute to their legacy.

Only 771 bottles have been produced, each featuring the Ace of Clubs badge carried by the squadron’s Sea Kings. Traditionally sealed with light blue wax, Tarquin’s has swapped it for red wax to match the squadron’s colours. This is the first Navy Strength gin produced by Tarquin’s, bottled at a robust 57% ABV. To maintain its signature flavour profile, Tarquin has increased the volume of botanicals used, with subtle hints of pink grapefruit adding a unique twist.

As one of Tarquin’s earliest supporters, we are proud to be the exclusive retailer of this special edition gin. Our store is located just a few minutes' drive from Culdrose Naval Base, making this tribute even more meaningful. We feel privileged to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of 771 Squadron and their lasting impact on Cornwall.

You won’t find this gin anywhere else—follow this link to secure a bottle. Join us in raising a glass to 771 Squadron and giving them the farewell they truly deserve.