In Praise of Lifeboats

I have much respect for the Lifeboats and the Royal Southampton Yacht Club lends them all support possible.
The RNLI has an active fleet of over 340 lifeboats around the country, ranging from 3.8–17m in length, as well as a relief fleet. There are also four active and three relief hovercraft.
The RNLI say different classes of lifeboat are needed for various locations, depending on geographical features, the kind of rescue work that the station is asked to do and the cover provided by neighbouring stations.
That means RNLI lifeboats are divided into two categories: all-weather and inshore. The all-weather lifeboats are capable of high speed and can be operated safely in all weather. They are inherently self-righting after a capsize and fitted with navigation, location and communication equipment.
Inshore lifeboats usually operate closer to shore in shallower water, close to cliffs, among rocks or even in caves.
These operating from the busy fishing port of Eyemouth, the all-weather lifeboat has provided search and rescue cover in the area for nearly 130 years, and today operates a Trent class lifeboat. The crews have been honoured with several awards for gallantry.
Nearer home on the south coast, the Royal Southampton stages an annual yacht race and rally which is geared to raising funds for local lifeboat stations.

It is one of the keenest supported events on both the racing and cruising calendars.