05/08/2025
Nice to see the Island is getting some more TV exposure. We sorted ferries and permits out for the crew, and the Island will get to be seen on screen next year.
Spent yesterday afternoon with the RNLI at East Cowes, first in the factory where they make their Atlanta 85s, powerful ribs that fish people out of the drink. They start with a hull made of a sort of super fibreglass, then bolt on a deck and console with all the gubbins, gird it with an inflatable gird, and stick two huge Yamaha engines which they have adapted. If it capsizes the engines cover up their air intake vents and power down and then a giant airbag goes off and the boat rights itself and the engines start again. The crew are hooked on by lines and then off you go to SAVE MORE LIVES.
I was then allowed to go on a new rib for its sea trials. The best bit was going as fast as it can and doing handbrake turns.
The lifeboat crews are very jolly and mordantly funny in the way of people who deal with tragedy.
Today I’m sailing out of Portsmouth with Border Force in one of their cutters.