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Reflections on Saving Lives at Sea by Stephen Musgrave. RCC Clubhouse 25th February at 8.00pm

For over 200 years the Lifeboat Service has recruited volunteers, now both men and women, who in their spare time are prepared to go to sea, in any weather conditions, at any hour of the day 365 days a year, to Save Lives at Sea.

Since the formation in 1824 of the R.N.L.I.,   Saving Lives at Sea  –  regardless of race, creed or colour; in peacetime and in war, has been the founding principle and remains so today, as the reason behind the very existence of the R.N.L.I.  There have been many changes in lifeboat design and associated technology but the principles of boats crewed by volunteers, with financial support by voluntary contributions, are still core values today in the 21^st Century.  This presentations reflects on the changes in the lifeboat service over the past two centuries; changes that also align with the developments in boating in general – in particular due to the advances in technology and innovation in materials for boat construction.

Despite these changes on any dark and stormy night when the services of a lifeboat are called upon, the skill and determination of the crew remain unchanged since the days of rowing and sailing that pre-dates the formation of the Lifeboat Institution itself.