SNS 005 - "Pourquoui Pas ? III"

After much DIY to rebuild the greenhouse that went for a roll down the garden last December in a storm we went to look at the local lifeboat which was taking visitors today.

The SNS 005 "Pourquoi Pas ? III" is one of the newest and largest lifeboats in the whole SNSM fleet. A CTT NG class, an all weather heavy duty lifeboat with a fancy next generation polyhedral bow (pictured here).

The tour was fascinating if it was little hot. The SNSM like the RNLI in the UK, does receive government grants, but is funded from donations and manned by volunteers. This boat was fitted out by the local crew on their own time with local fundraising. Boats like this cost over €1 million a go, and take a dedicated crew to operate.

Apparently they are busy here and most of the rescues with this boat are giving tows to boats that have got into distress and are unable to make it back to harbour here, or across the water in Jersey or Guernsey.