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We operate from the Boathouse at Freshwater Bay, launching our boats into the bay using a launching trolley and down a slipway. Freshwater Bay is a natural inlet and historically was used by sailing vessels to provision fresh water before setting off on their voyages. The bay is south facing and in the prevailing South Westerly weather offers only a little protection and incoming swells. In fact it is a well known surfing spot. Our boats and launching equipment have to be designed to get the boats in the water fast so they can navgate the mouth of the bay where the surf breaks and reach safer water beyond.  | We operate two boats. Our All-weather boat is an 8.8m Rigid Inflatable Boat with a cabin seating 4 crew with the helmsman standing. This is rolled to the top of our slipway secured by a winch. Engines are running using a water supply built into the launch trolley. At the coxswains command the winch is released and gravity does the rest. | .gif)
| Our inshore lifeboat the Berry B is a semi inflatable which is used for inshore work and getting to casualties in under the cliffs. She is not launched into severe weather and uses a smaller launching trolley which is pushed to the bottom of the slipway using a skid-steer loader. | | | Launch equipment is every bit as important to safely launch and recover boats and crew. We operate a skid-steer loader, a 30 tonne winch and a tug. |
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