Hi all
Didn't know where to post this but felt it might be of interest to people. On an ill judged holiday in Achill a few weeks ago, one of the highlights was an open day run by the Achill RNLI. It included a tour of the centre, a BBQ and of particular interest, a guided tour of the Trent class boat by the Coxswain (who is from Ballinteer!). The boat is an amazing piece of kit, and virtually unsinkable. The guys were exceptionally modest (didn't have the gumption to ask how many medals for bravery the crew holds and embarrass them in public but I know its quite a few) and it was a great experience - the boys are still talking about it. The four point racing harnesses in each air cushioned chair (each adjustable to the occupants weight - oh dear!) really explained in graphic terms what kind of conditions these guys and the local GP go out in...
So if you get a chance to visit your local RNLI station, I'd encourage it as a great experience and its no harm to drop a few quid in their collection box. Here's why - the boat has 1700 HP in two engines and what struck me was the fuel consumption. Its 3000 litres of fuel last only 20 hours at full speed. When you look at the kit on the boat, the boat itself and all its equipment, and listen to what they have to say about what dangerous conditions are and how seemingly innocuous some of it can be, you realise that the cheapest thing on the boat is the actual crew. You can not but leave impressed by it all, so next time you see a collection box, do the right thing...
Maybe we should look to organise a competition / fundraiser - I know we've done it in the past?
Cheers