Hastings Lifeboat Concert kicks off Carnival!

Indeed, the Concert kicks off Hastings Old Town Carnival Week 2024, 1st to 12th August (website), at the Stade Open Space, preceeded by the Carnival Opening Ceremony at 14.45. The concert is being held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI, facebook), and is free to enjoy from 15.00, although entry is from 13.00.

Although the concert is free, any donations to the RNLI and Hastings Lifeboat would be "warmly welcome and hugely appreciated." An excellent tribute to our local heroes!

Hastings Lifeboat Open Day Saturday 27th of July 2024

This Saturday (27th of July 2024) will see Hastings RNLI Emergency Services Open Day (facebook). This will be held at Hastings Lifeboat Station and on The Stade Open Space in front of the station from 10.00am to 4.00pm; that is 10.00 to 16.00 hours.

You are invited to see how the Shannon Class RNLI 13-28 The Richard and Caroline Colton and Hastings RNLI Emergency Services work; also see video. Enjoy the informative day folks!

Yacht towed to safety by Hastings Lifeboat.

Hastings Lifeboat Station (early hours)

It was a few nights ago, but I just noticed on their facebook page, that the Hastings Lifeboat RNLI 13-28, the Richard & Caroline Colton, was called out to just off Pett Level as a 36ft yacht was in difficulties. The coxswain assessed that the best course of action was to tow the yacht to safety, which happened, as appropriate. 

With respect to the RNLI and its crews and volunteers, many thanks! 

Storm Ciara and the Richard & Caroline Colton

Hastings lifeboat, the Shannon Class Richard & Caroline Colton RNLI 13-28 (pictured above when it first arrived in Hastings - see blog) was out in Storm Ciara on Sunday, most readers will already be aware I imagine, following a surfer being pulled out to sea whilst experiencing huge waves and high winds. Luckily, no-one was hurt, and I continue to admire the RNLI crew and volunteers who put their lives at risk to help and save others, respect!

Whilst not on call yesterday evening, the crew that was on call on Sunday were relaxing at the Dolphin Inn, with only one crew member owning up to enjoying the experience of the boat turning nearly 180 degrees, most, including the coxwain, admitted the fact the boat immediately righted itself gives them confidence in Richard & Caroline Colton, but they're not in a hurry to experience it again! If you haven't already seen the video that has gone viral over the internet, have a look at the BBC website, and this film is quite amazing, again, much respect from me!

This weekend will see the arrival of Storm Dennis (see Met Office), trusting everyone to be very careful, fingers crossed the lifeboat won't be called out this time.

Hastings Lifeboat - Exercise Launch and Recovery

OK, I have to admit I'd forgotten about the exercise launch this morning, being concerned about the Pier, but I noticed her out at sea whilst I was by the Pier, and so rushed along to see the recovery (RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station facebook page), and took a few photographs; here is RNLI 13-28 returning to the beach, rather fast...

She hit the beach so quickly that I couldn't quite get the correct moment of impact, but this is just as she mounts the beach!

And the recovery continues as she is hauled up the beach, nice one...

Hastings Lifeboat Station Quiz Night Tonight!

Hastings Lifeboat Station is having its first Quiz Night to help raise funds this evening (13th November) since the arrival, and going into service, of its new Shannon class RNLI 13-28 lifeboat (blog). The event starts at 7.30pm at East Hastings Sea Angling Association, opposite the Lifeboat Station at the Stade. Entry per person is £2.50, with a maximum of 4 people allowed per team; complimentary 'nibbles' will be provided.

Your chance to have a fun evening, and to contribute to the RNLI! 

Lifeboats Changeover...

So, perhaps fittingly on the day former Hastings Lifeboat coxwain Fred White was laid to rest, the RNLI's longest serving lifeboat, the Sealink Endeavour, Mersey class RNLI 12-002, which served getting on for 30 years from Hastings, was retired from service, following 360 launches...

... Replaced overnight by the Shannon class RNLI 13-28, to be formally named the Richard & Caroline Colton next year, welcome again!

As ever my respect goes out to the crew of Hastings Lifeboat, mostly volunteers, who help to keep British waters safe, and to Fred White R.I.P.