Launch Trials in St Ives Bay for RNLI's Experimental boat design
The RNLI's experimental lifeboat, referred to as the ‘Fast Carriage Boat 2' (FCB2), undertook the first phase of it's launch & recovery trials in heavy weather last week off Hayle Towans.
The experimental boat has been in Hayle for the past few weeks waiting for a suitable bad weather window for the trials, as the North Cornish coast provided the perfect conditions needed for these trials. The RNLI's wait was rewarded on Friday 9th November with both sunshine and strong Northerly onshore winds which provided an ideal wind-swell for the trial.
After pushing the boat out on the launch trailer from North Quay, Hayle, the team undertook a number of launches under different conditions into the swell just East of Hayle bar. The crew onboard FCB2 also included two members of the St Ives lifeboat crew who were onboard to assist and to experience the launch process.
The experimental boat remains in Hayle waiting for a further period of heavy swell, when the RNLI hope to continue these trials under different conditions.
Picture attached of the Experimental Lifeboat FCB2 on the way out into the surf line, and shortly after a launch on 9th November (one this message in the surf, other pic next message).
For further information contact St Ives Lifeboat Press Officer Derek Hall on 07812 040251
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