Flotilla of Lifeboats in the Solent to celebrate RNLI 200

Published 08:33 on 21 May 2024

A Flotilla of lifeboats will travel along the coast between Portsmouth, Hayling Island and Selsey, and across to the Isle of Wight, to mark the 200 year anniversary of the RNLI. Hayling Lifeboats will be joined by Selseys Shannon, Portsmouths Atlantic 85 and D Class (for some of the trip), as well as the Tamar from Bembridge. 

The boats will assemble at 10:45 in Fishery Creek, near Hayling Island Sailing Club, departing at 11.00 towards West Pole, and then East along the Witterings beaches towards Selsey. After rounding Selsey Bill and passing Selsey Lifeboat Station, the fleet will turn at Bognor Rocks and head west for the Isle of Wight. After passing Bembridge they will then head North towards Portsmouth and then travel East along Southsea seafront and then along the Hayling shoreline before dispersing. 

The Flotilla of boats will be an awesome sight and will serve as a reminder of the dedication of all the volunteers who have saved 144,277 lives at sea during the last 200 years…. And still counting. Should any vessels (from Chichester or Langstone Harbour or beyond) wish to join the whole route or any part of it, it would be fantastic to have other boats take part in the celebratory event. The lifeboats will travel at approximately 12 knots and the full circuit will take around three hours. 

Bacon rolls, tea and coffee and RNLI 200 souvenirs will be available at Hayling Island Lifeboat station from 10 am, for those who would like to watch the start from the shore.

Last updated 10:45 on 25 June 2024