Our present boat is the Atlantic 21 B586 Clothworker, has recently returned from Cowes and a complete refit. Whilst she was away, we had B568 Burton Brewer as a replacement. 

We normally keep our boat moored along side a floating pontoon, with access from the shore by means of a gangway. Length is 7.2 metres (23ft 8 inches) with twin 70 h.p. engines.

An A-Frame assembly above the engines on the stem of the boat provides the mounting for a self righting bag, stowed flat. In the event of a capsize, a crew member activates a gas bottle to inflate the bag. The lifeboat turns upright in a few seconds.

Crew equipment

When the inshore Atlantic 21 or 75 Lifeboat goes to sea it is essential that the crew of 3 are properly dressed and kitted out for what may be a long, cold and very wet time. The protective clothing required is, firstly, a thermal suit. which is put on over their every day clothes, this suit keeps the body heat in, and without it they would soon feel very cold and tired.

The crewman will then climb into a one piece dry suit, complete with rubber boots, watertight neck and cuff seals, and this is to keep the water out, even if the crewman enters the water, it should keep him dry. A crash helmet always wom, complete with visor to protect the head and face from the wind and sea, it also prevents injuries from falls when the boat is, travelling at high speeds. This helmet, also prevents the loss of body heat from the head. Lastly, the ifejacket complete with light, whistle and recovery strop is put on and the crewman is ready for sea. On returning all the equipment is cleaned, checked, and put away in a warm air storage, readv for the next time.