St Ives’ new Inshore Lifeboat was delivered on Monday 5th February, an all new IB1 type D Class ILB to replace the previous ILB Spirit of the RCT

 

 

The new lifeboat, D668, Colin Bramley Parker, is one of the new IB1 type D Class, which were introduced into service in 2003.  The new IB1 is a completely re-engineered version of the old D Class, using new materials, with a much improved equipment fit out including a Chart Plotting GPS, and a bigger engine with electric start. These combine to provide a boat which much better performance in terms of speed, manoeuvrability and navigation capability. 

The new ILB duly arrived at St Ives Monday lunchtime, where the crew were eagerly waiting with photographers and reporters.  After unwrapping and preparing the boat, the crew were given a detailed briefing on the boat by RNLI Divisional Inspector, after which they took the new boat out on exercise to familiarise themselves with it and to see just what it could do.

After a busy afternoon the crews reported that they were delighted with the Colin Bramley Parker which had far exceeded their expectations, being very responsive, manoeuvrable and quick, and handled itself particularly well in the surf which is a common requirement in St Ives waters.  After completing these initial exercises and with the crew happy with the new boat it was officially put on service, and is now ready for use in the next ILB shout. 

The new ILB was donated by Diane Saxon in memory of her friend, Colin Bramley Parker, after whom the boat is named. Colin was a consultant oral surgeon, who spent many holidays in Cornwall and lost no opportunity of visiting St. Ives. He took a great interest in the Open Studio weeks as he was a talented amateur artist himself. He was very interested in, and supportive of, the activities of the RNLI as well, and the pontoon berth at Falmouth was also financed by a donation in his memory.   The official naming ceremony for the Colin Bramley Parker will follow later in the Spring.