The Historic Lifeboat Rally Fowey Cornwall

The rally was organized by volunteer crew members Bob Harris and Paul Gamble and volunteer shore helper, Paul Richards, with support from other crew and both the permanent Coxswain Keith Stuart and the Second Coxswain, Steve Barker.

It is also being supported by various local companies and organizations, without whose support it would not have been possible to stage the gathering. Fowey Harbour Commissioners waived the harbour dues for the visiting boats and providing the venue for the open day.

Total Butler Fuels are donating fuel to each of the lifeboats via the Toms Boatyard in Polruan. China Clay company, Imerys and The Marina Hotel in Fowey are the two main financial sponsors. Lifeboat enthusiasts travelled from all over the country to Fowey for the occasion. But one keen supporter, Photo Journalist, Phil Russel from Plymouth has gone a step further and is donating an original painting of a pulling lifeboat on the beach, to the Fowey Station for a special draw that will take place at all the stations summer events.

The 20 inch by 30 inch painting comes complete with frame that has been generously donated by Art 2 Frame also from Plymouth. The organisers of Fowey's second ex lifeboat rally say it was a huge success, thanks to superb weather and generous crowds.

Fourteen former lifeboats took part in the event which has raised nearly five hundred pounds for the charity. The months of planning that went into the rally, paid off when Saturday dawned warm and sunny with a gentle breeze. The perfect conditions brought out the crowds who were treated to a fascinating display of lifeboats from the past. Some even choose to put to sea themselves onboard the old Looe lifeboat, "Ryder", and that meant taking an oar as she dates back to when they either rowed or sailed the boat to an incident!

Most of the ex lifeboats taking part arrived the night before and were greeted by organisers who presented them with specially commissioned commemorative pennants, sponsored by Imerys. They also received a bottle of wine each, provided by St Austell Brewery. On the Saturday the boats all moved to the harbours main pontoon at Albert Quay, thanks to the Fowey Harbour Commissioners, where literally hundreds of people paid a visit. Some were lifeboat enthusiasts, others were simply interested in seeing the life savers of the past.

Many families left with excited children who had been treated to visits around the boats by proud owners, and handfuls of RNLI goodies from the organisers!

The event ended with a rally part at the Fowey Gallants Sailing Club where the beer flowed and the singing was led by the Bude group, "Friggin Riggin". It was at this event that the Fowey Station's Honorary Secretary, Captain Sam Guy was able to thank those who had attended, praising them for their hard work and dedication: "I know some of you have travelled a long way, Northern Ireland and the Isles of Scilly to name two places, but we really appreciate your support for this event. It's been a joy to see you, and our many visitors, having fun in the name of the RNLI and we hope you have enjoyed a warm Fowey welcome."

The fleet were due to rally to Mevagissey on the Sunday to mark the start of Feast Week, but they were advised against the trip because of the weather conditions. They did however journey to Polruan and Toms Boatyard in particular , to take onboard fuel kindly donated to the event by Total Butler Fuels.

One of the event's organisers, Paul Richards, says he hopes the rally will become an annual event, especially as many of the ex lifeboat owners left saying how much they hoped they would be invited back next year: "Many of the owners have already called me to enquire about 2004 because they are always made to feel so welcome in Fowey.

This year the event has grown to 14 ex lifeboats, maybe next time we will be able to attract yet more to our gathering." A limited number of the commemorative pennants made to mark the occasion are still available at £10 each. For more information please contact:
Tamsin Thomas
RNLI Fowey Station Press Officer.
E-mail: tamsinthomas@aol.com
Tel/fax: 01726 832511
Mobile: 07876754347