Newquay's newest lifeboat has officially been named

A special ceremony and service of dedication was held at the RNLI Boathouse at the Harbour on Saturday.

Among guests were Andrew and Lynne Richmond, the donors of the new D class lifeboat.

The boat - now named Richmond - was handed from the donors into the care of the RNLI, which was accepted by Mike Sturrock - RNLI Trustee, who then handed it Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager. 

Volunteer RNLI crew members then gave guests and onlookers a demonstration of the D Class to show off her capabilities.

Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Gareth Horner, said: "Newquay RNLI is delighted with the arrival of this new D class lifeboat. Known as the fleets work horse, the D class lifeboat has a top speed of 25 knots, the D class lifeboat can endure 3 hours at sea at this speed on search and rescue missions – a crucial factor when lives are at risk.

"Not only that, she can access areas inaccessible to our all-weather lifeboats, such as close to cliffs, rocks and caves.

"As an inflatable inshore lifeboat, the D class is designed to operate close to shore in shallower water and is ideal for rescues in fair to moderate conditions and particularly in the big surf which we experience along our coast.

"Many rescues take place at night and can involve being close to dangerous cliffs, manmade structures or caves. In addition to night vision equipment, the D class lifeboat carries a searchlight and parachute illuminating flares to light up the surrounding area, helping to keep crew members safe as well as locate those in need of help.

"We are hugely grateful to Andrew and Lynne for donating this sturdy and versatile vessel which replaces our outgoing D class, Enid Mary who has served us well for the past 11 years".

Donor Andrew Richmond said: "I was the third generation of my family to run a coach and bus company in Epsom, Surrey. My grandfather started running open-topped charabancs and horse boxes in 1920 and my father joined the business after the Second World War. I joined the company after leaving school in 1971 and spent the next forty-one years involved in all aspects of the business. We operated day trips and holidays in the UK and abroad as well as running a number of local bus services in and around Surrey and South-West London.

"In 2012, as there were no family successors to pass the business on to, the company was sold. Several years ago, Lynn and I decided we would like to donate to a charity that would benefit in a tangible way. Having considered the options, the RNLI seemed to be the obvious choice for the following reasons.

"Firstly, the RNLI stands out because of its team of selfless volunteers who put their lives at risk in order to save others. Secondly, the RNLI has a commitment to provide all of their lifesavers with the best equipment and facilities available whether on land or at sea and this has to be funded.

"Following delivery of D-907 to Newquay in October last year we learnt that within a day or so it had already gone into service and the crew had saved the life of a seventeen-year-old stranded on a rock, totally surrounded by sea. We are delighted to support the Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Station in this way."