A record season for yacht charter

It has been a successful season for Dream Yacht Charter, with excellent sales on offerings including sailing holidays with or without a skipper, crewed yachts and cabin cruises. Occupancy rates approached 100% during the very high season in mid-June through to early September, continuing the positive trends prior to Covid. Along with higher occupancy rates, the business is seeing an extended season in the Mediterranean, their most popular location, with bookings starting much earlier, from April-May, and ending at the beginning of winter.

“This summer, holidaymakers are choosing to sail in record numbers, driven by a real need to get away from it all, to enjoy the peace and quiet, far from the worries of Covid or the crisis”, says founder Loïc Bonnet.

The best-selling destinations are Croatia, Greece and the West Indies. The season was a real success for exotic destinations as well, with very good booking levels, especially in Martinique, French Polynesia, and the Seychelles.

Thanks to this positive trend, the Group will generate more income with 850 boats in 2021 than with 1050 in 2019. This is indicative of the return of Dream Yacht Charter’s regular customer base, along with an influx of new enthusiasts, attracted by the ease of chartering with a skipper or full crew option. Skippered and crewed charters have increased by more than 20% in one year.

In order to continue this dynamic, Dream Yacht is launching more than 150 new boats for the coming season, of which nearly 80% are catamarans.

Access to boat ownership – a busy order book

With the largest historical pre-booking of boat deliveries (monohulls and catamarans) from the largest French shipyards, Dream Yacht is in a central position in the market for unit acquisitions. 2022 has provided concrete evidence of commercial recovery, and forecasts for 2023 are already equivalent with over 160 boats to be sold by Dream Yacht Group next year.

Every boat marketed for charter via Dream Yacht Group or sold for private use comes from French shipyards, with 3/4 of the orders dedicated to Bali, Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon brand catamarans, and 1/4 to monohulls. Deliveries are mainly planned for exotic destinations (including Seychelles, Thailand, and French Polynesia) and the United States, while 1/3 are destined for the Mediterranean.

Group news

Dream Yacht Charter UK franchise reacquired by the Dream Yacht Group: Partners for many years, the Dream Yacht UK franchise has recently returned to operate under the Dream Yacht parent company. With a range of exciting new projects being launched at Group level over the coming months, the UK team will join the USA and Europe teams in driving the UK market forward and will work closely in aligning strategy and promoting growth. The UK team remains the same and will participate at the Southampton Boat Show from 16 to 25 September.

New boat offers for 2023: The catalogue of Dream Yacht offerings is growing with new models including Bali 4.4, Lagoon 51, and Excess 14 catamarans, as well as the Bali Catsmart.

Private ownership solutions: Several new programmes are being launched. The latest offering is the Shared Ownership access program. In response to strong customer demand, Dream Yacht is innovating and providing up-to-the-minute services that meet the expectations of the sharing economy.

Dream Yacht Sales, new Excess Catamarans dealer in the West Indies: Dream Yacht Sales, the boat sales division of the Dream Yacht Group, has become a dealer for Excess Catamarans, the Bénéteau Group’s cruising catamaran manufacturer and brand for the French West Indies. The Excess 14 was exhibited at the recent Cannes International Yachting Festival as a world premiere.

Southampton Boat Show – Meet the Dream Yacht teams on stands J140 and J158 between 16-25 September and be in with a chance to win a late summer 7-night bareboat charter in the Med – Find out more.

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Booking a boating holiday, chartering a boat abroad or signing up for a sailing course is often the first step into a lifelong passion. Choose from recognised RYA Training Centres such as Solent-based Broadreach Sailing, or venture further abroad with Second Star Sailing with RYA courses in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, plus “women at the helm’ all-female initiatives for budding skippers. Charter a yacht in Greece and Croatia with Navigare and Nautilus, experience the thrill of adventures with Kraken Travel or connect with the largest online yacht charter business through the team at Booking Manager, there’s a world of opportunities to explore at the show.

Within Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall, there’s a myriad of eye-catching and enticing stands displaying everything from new ranges of teak furniture from Onward Marine, unique and hand-made interiors and accessories from Hannah Wisdom Textiles and Summer Jane Art, and beautiful fabrics for renovating or replacing marine upholstery from Hawke House. Or head towards the technology hub where the latest in marine electronics, navigation, communications and safety equipment can be found. World firsts on display include the LINK digital system for remote control of your vessel, Raymarine’s Yachtsense Ecosystem for complete onboard and offboard device integration, and Merlin Power’s Vesscomm advanced digital monitoring and switching system, launched in conjunction with Metrix Advanced Technologies.

Power and propulsion now include more electric options, with new electric outboards from Temo and RemigoOne. For the first time, Volvo Penta will have a Fairline demonstration boat at the show, actively demonstrating its sophisticated Assisted Docking systems and how easy it is to retrofit onto an existing boat.

There are bespoke battery and solar charging systems from Knight Marine, Whisperpower silent energy and power generation from Marine Energy Systems, and on-board lightning controls from Lumishore, and Hella Marine underwater lighting from ASAP Supplies. Aquafax’s stand will be packed with products from Mastervolt, B&G, Lowrance, Quick and Ultraflex.

For boaters looking to minimise their effect on the environment, take a look at English Braids’ rPET ropes made from recycled plastics, with regular daily displays of braided rope splicing techniques taking place on the stand. Avoid using biocides or pesticides and protect a vessel’s hull using MacGilde film instead of paint or consider using Propspeed to protect propellers and running gear from becoming encrusted with marine growth below the waterline.

There are many ways to keep cool or stay warm on board, from wearing the right clothing, choosing anti-Condensation Underlay and Active-Cool Bedding from Ship Shape Bedding to fitting air conditioners and coolers. Zerofit will be making its debut at the show, displaying what is claimed to be the world’s warmest baselayer. With a range of tops, leggings and socks, innovative heat threads gently run against the skin as you move, creating and retaining positive warmth. For reducing heat on board, take a look at Total Cool’s new TC3000 portable evaporative air cooler, or Advance Yacht System’s low energy Frigomar self-contained air con system. On show for the first time, Penguin’s range of Vitrifrigio marine air conditioning systems which can cool multiple cabins using air flow through insulated ducting.

Staying safe whilst on the water is paramount and Ocean Safety is an ideal place to check out all the latest liferafts, plus check out the new Jon Buoy Soft Case Horseshoe, making its show debut. When lighting stikes on a boat it can cause electronic failures, damage to masts and equipment, start a fire or even seriously injure crew. Technical Marine Supplies will be displaying a patented lightning protection system from Sertec Marine. By changing the atmosphere around a vessel, this technology eliminates the chances of a lightning strike and is suitable for all vessels, regardless of size.

Playful orcas can also be a challenge when at sea, with some vessels reporting rudder damage and worse. Mactra Marine will be showing a new environmentally friendly solution, using Fishtek Marine’s Anti-Depradation Pinger. Simply placing the pinger overboard emits an acoustic sound every 4-12 seconds, sufficient to deter orcas who dislike the noise and will move away from the boat.

Learn how to keep your vessel free of unwanted stowaways and protect seabird colonies at the Biosecurity For Life stand.  There’s free information packs and children will enjoy learning about this project using the “Save our Seabirds” Monopoly-style board game.  As well as having an operational police boat at the show, visitors can take advice from the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives stand to learn how to keep their valuables safe.

The post All the latest equipment, innovations, technology, travel and stylish luxuries on show at Southampton International Boat Show 2022 appeared first on Sailing Today.

Dufour 32’ Show offer – available for immediate delivery

This “impressive new smaller yacht,” as described in the media, is aimed at a younger more active audience. The Dufour 32 comes with bags of attitude and fun placed at the heart of its design. With many space-saving innovations it has a unique inflatable transom that doubles up as a floating bathing platform, and a cockpit table that converts to become a full sized day-bed for sun-bathing.

The Southampton Show boat is fully commissioned and ready to go. With a high spec including performance sails, full electronics package, inflatable transom platform, semi-rigid boom system (designed to house the main sail & support solar panels), mooring pack, cockpit seats & double berth conversion.

£141,450 Ex VAT – Saves £32,000 off current pricing

Dufour 470 Show offer – available end 2022

Winner of the 2021 Cruising Yacht of the Year Award, the Dufour 470 is described by reviewers as having bags of room and a “very high stability design ….that certainly doesn’t disappoint.” 

 Available in three models, Easy, Performance and Ocean, it is an Ocean model at the show. With a very high spec including 3 cabins & 2 heads, forward galley, oak interior, bow thruster, upgraded 75 Hp engine, electronics pack, upgraded sail package, electric halyard winches, external BBQ, sprayhood, electric bathing platform, twin zone Bimini and more.

£378,750 Ex VAT – Saves £67,000 off current pricing

 Dufour 37 – available Spring 2023

This latest model launched by Dufour Yachts was unveiled at Cannes Yachting Festival and doesn’t have time to reach the Southampton Boat Show. However, she’s a spectacular boat and has already received great media interest.

Universal Yachting has one production slot for the Dufour 37 September Show offer. Order before 30 Sept and receive a 5% discount off the yacht and all factory supplied equipment. You are completely free to choose your own layout and equipment options.

Guide Price – £191,275 Ex VAT – Saves £11,500 off current pricing

Dufour 390 – available for immediate delivery

Described as “responsive, fun and forgiving to sail… with surprisingly good sailing performance” by the marine press, the Dufour 390 is packed with neat, practical features as well as being nicely finished.

Beat the lead times with Universal’s Show boat offer. Fitted with a 2 cabin / 1 head interior layout with a high spec and long list of additional extras including an upgraded sail pack, 50Hp engine gas BBQ and much more. Fully commissioned and ready to go with a huge saving off the current cost of an equivalent Dufour 390.

£225,000 Ex VAT – Saves £48,000 off current pricing

Dufour 430 – available Spring 2023

The Dufour 430 ticks all the boxes for offshore sailing. This spacious yacht has ample accommodation and terrific handling. Order before the end of September and you’ll get 10% off the yacht and all factory supplied equipment. However, Universal Yachting say there is only one production slot available with this offer so move quickly and you are free to choose your own layout and equipment options.

Guide Price – £302,738 Ex VAT – Saves £38,500 off current pricing

 Contact Universal Yachting for details of other models and Show Offers, and to book your personal boat show appointment.  www.universalyachting.com

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There will be a large display of specialist sailing electronics including the first UK public presentation of the latest addition to the range, the Triton Edge.  Visitors will also have the chance to win a B&G brand pack by taking part in the “Top Guns Challenge” and take advantage of a special show offer on the Triton².

The Triton Edge

The Triton Edge is the all-new B&G sailing processor that allows users to enhance and control sailing data to maximise the performance of their sailing system for cruising or racing.  Users can simply connect with a mobile, tablet or PC for an intuitive experience to access advanced, yet simple, calibration and control features. Triton Edge is designed for simplicity and ease of installation, integrating seamlessly with existing Triton², H5000 and Nemesis systems as well as the B&G App, enabling record, review and share features.

Visitors to the B&G stand will also have the chance to pit their strength against others on the “Cyclops” Top Guns Challenge, where a Nemesis and Triton² with the latest B&G software will display the all-new Load Cell Data Graphical Gauge.  This will showcase the latest software which can be configured on a page allowing load cell data to be shown in a single graphical gauge displaying the current data value, name of the load cell data and any warning and critical alarm levels.  Those that take the challenge will have their load recorded on the leaderboard, with a daily winner being announced at 16:30 each day and awarded with a B&G Brand Pack full of B&G goodies and the overall show winner winning a B&G jacket.

Special Show Prices

For show season, 1^st September to 14^th October, users will be able to take advantage of a fantastic offer on the Triton², twin Speed, Depth, Wireless Wind pack, available for £1850, reduced from £2189.99, on purchases made in store and at the boat show.

Other B&G products on display include the Zeus^TM3S multifunction display, Nemesis^TM, WS320 wireless wind sensor, Vulcan chartplotter, Triton², and visitors can also explore the B&G App.  The App is free to download and offers a rich experience including chartplotter mirroring and up-to-date and detailed nautical charts from C-MAP®, personal waypoints, routes and tracks, the latest marine weather, personalisation and much more.  There will be a team on hand to answer any questions, and help visitors decide on the system and technology that is right for them.

All B&G® products are compatible with C-MAP® charts, visit the stand to explore the range, including the all-new C-MAP REVEAL; the very best of C-MAP cartography.

C-MAP REVEAL charts offer select areas of Dynamic Raster Charts, bringing a traditional paper chart look and feel, with easy access to all objects on the chart, and Satellite Overlay providing an additional level of situational awareness, with thousands of photos of marinas, harbours, inlets and other notable navigational features.

For further information on B&G and any of the products mentioned visit www.bandg.com.

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With recent British Marine survey figures showing a 20% increase in people taking to the water with no formal training, the partnership also aims to increase confidence and safety on the water.

The Boating & Boat Ownership Summer 2022 Survey, commissioned by British Marine, found that of those surveyed, 21% were either self-taught or trained by family or friends, and only 6% used weather or navigation websites as educational resources.

Having proudly supported the boating and sailing community since 1826, GJW Direct is partnering with savvy navvy to give away more than 6,000 subscriptions for the all-in-one navigation app, which is now used by around half a million users in more than 100 countries around the world.

Lev Osman, Managing Director of GJW Direct, said: “We understand more than most that formal training might not be available or an option for everyone – we’re sailors ourselves and many of us learn on the go. But we think it is important to empower sailors to increase their opportunities for building expertise and counteract any issues that might occur with equipment on their boats.”

Free savvy navvy subscriptions are available to anyone signing up to GJW Direct’s Marina Scheme, which provides specific insurance and special endorsements for anyone keeping their vessel in a marina.

Savvy Navvy

Founded by former Google Software Engineer Jelte Liebrand, savvy navvy set out to simplify boating technology. It is has developed unique, user-friendly features based on feedback from users, such as industry leading departures schedules and enhanced weather model integration with Meteomatics.

Jelte Liebrand, Founder and CEO of savvy navvy, adds: “Our vision from the outset has been for savvy navvy to be in every boater’s pocket, supporting both new and experienced boaters on the water with a simplified navigation solution. With the recent survey showing less than ten per cent of people using navigation resources, we are pleased to enhance our partnership with one of the leading marine insurance specialists, so that together we can start changing this through increased access to our all-in-one navigation app.”

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Southampton International Boat Show to close on Monday 19 September for the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The post Sailors Given Helping Hand to be More Savvy Navigators appeared first on Sailing Today.

Redbridge Community School, based very close to the Port of Southampton, has selected the students, aged 12-15, who will take part in the day.

The Ocean Youth Trust

Ocean Youth Trust South is a charity offering personal development through adventure under sail to young people aged 11-25, the majority disadvantaged or vulnerable in various ways. They operate a 105-foot sailing vessel, Prolific, based in Ocean Village, Southampton.

The charity sails with at least 450 young people each year, focussing on developing confidence, communication, teamworking, resilience and mental wellbeing. Most young people come for residential voyages lasting at least four days, but thanks to the support of SIBS 2022, the charity is offering a rare opportunity for a taster day for a school which has not previously been involved in voyages. While on board, the young people will be able to try steering, hoisting sails, using ropes and winches, navigation and more.

OYT South’s Chief Executive, Mark Todd, said “We are delighted to be working with Southampton International Boat Show and teaming up with Redbridge School for this very special day sail. We know that too many young people – even those living near the sea or close to a major port – never have a chance to get out on the water and may know little of the immense breadth of opportunities and careers available in the marine world. Spending a day as active crew members on board Prolific, supported by our team of skilled staff and volunteers, will give these Redbridge students a new experience and hopefully open their eyes to some of the things which the maritime world can offer to people of all backgrounds and abilities.”

Redbridge Community School said: “The students chosen to sail on board Prolific show resilience, determination and the ability to overcome adversity in their day to day lives.  We are thrilled to be approached by Ocean Youth Trust South and hope it not only provides our students with hands-on skills, but opens their horizons to potential maritime careers. Despite living in a thriving port, many of these students have never had the chance to be on the water or visit the boat show before. It promises to be a thrilling day for them.”

Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine: “We look forward to welcoming the pupils from Redbridge Community School as they embark on their sailing adventure with the Ocean Youth Trust South.  The work the trust does enabling young people to experience first hand what it is like to be on the water and learn new skills, goes hand in hand with all we aim to achieve through the Southampton International Boat Show, bringing the joy of watersports to everyone.  I hope they all thoroughly enjoy their day.”

The post Local charity and school team up for Southampton International Boat Show 2022 appeared first on Sailing Today.

The young people from the Naval Children’s Charity were divided into two age groups of 12-15 and 16-25 for the two different legs. The first for the younger cohort starting from Whitehaven for six nights and the second from Greenock to Petershead for seven.

The trips were not plain sailing for the teams, but both overcame challenges: sailing in harsh weather, sea sickness and living in very close quarters allowed them to develop their communication, resilience and teamwork.

Clare Scherer, of the Naval Children’s Charity, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to our young people. The combination of the extraordinary experience onboard the iconic Challenger yacht, learning to sail and gaining their RYA certificate, combined with meeting and bonding with other young people from Naval families with shared experiences, will no doubt enhance their lives.

James Hudson, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at TSYT, said: “We were thrilled to partner with NCC for these voyages, which enabled the young people to push themselves out of their comfort zones and experience new and exciting challenges. Working together onboard, the two youth crews took part in all activities and pulled together to overcome shared challenges, such as preparing to sail in bad weather and living in close quarters. This experience enabled them to develop transferable life skills such as communication, resilience and teamwork.”

 The success of both trips has resulted in three of the young people continuing their RYA training and learning journey with TSYT on its volunteer development programme. This is not normally offered to children under the age of 15, however, if someone shows exceptional potential and shines TSYT will offer it to someone younger. One of the chosen three is just 12 years old. They will now develop and train as a watch leader to help on future youth voyages.

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Popular with sailing clubs both on the island and across the south cost, the Folly Inn has its own jetty connected to the site, which is also being refurbished. A new water taxi office and new shower facilities are being built to further enhance the experience for guests arriving by boat.

Next to the jetty, the Folly Inn has a waterside patio along the shoreline, which is being extended over the water and upgraded as part of the investment. A new heated pergola is being built over the existing patio area to ensure the space can be used throughout the year.

Externally, the main garden area will benefit from increased seating capacity, a feature fireplace, and a new pergola. A new outdoor kitchen and bar, opening in Spring, will allow guests to enjoy a true al fresco dining experience all year round.

Although work on the exterior of the pub is now underway, the Folly Inn is open until the 25^th of September, when it will close for six weeks – reopening in early November.

On the inside of the pub, the Folly Inn is being completely refurbished. Whilst the traditional character and heritage features of the building will be thoughtfully maintained, the pub will benefit from new furniture, a new indoor/outdoor fireplace, as well as bi-fold doors along two elevations, offering diners beautiful views over the water.

Saoirse Doolan, General Manager of The Folly Inn

“The planned refurbishment at the Folly Inn is going to completely transform the site, providing a massively upgraded outdoor area for guests to enjoy in all weathers.

“The pub has always been popular with both islanders and sailing clubs on the mainland, so we can’t wait to show off the planned new features to both new customers and old.

“Although work on the exterior of the pub has started, don’t worry – the pub is still open until late September so come on in for a drink or a bite to eat!”

The Folly Inn will close on 26^th of September and is due to reopen in early November. For more information, visit the pub’s Facebook page here.

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With the first signs of autumn arriving and most boaters starting to think about winterizing and storing away more vulnerable bits of kit, Skydock is a must discover product at the show.  The Barton demo shows you how to safely and securely lift items such as sails, cushions, dinghies, lifejackets, life rafts, tenders, inflatable toys and much, much more, stored in previously unused storage space in your garage, outbuilding or loft over the winter months.  Up to 80kg can be easily lifted and stored out of the way.

With the option of a 3:1 and 4:1 purchase system, loads can be easily shifted straight from the roof of a car or from the ground by one person with little stress.  The unique Barton self-locking pulley block will take the strain and not allow lifted items to fall, even if the line is accidentally released.

All parts required for installation are included in the one box and easy to follow instructions, backed with a handy video guide available on the Barton YouTube Channel, enable Skydock to be ready for use in around an hour.  SkyDock really is the ultimate roof space storage solution.  Find out more about SkyDock here.

Also new in 2022, the Stanchion Bullseye Lead Block does what it says on the tin. Attaching to the base of stanchions, they secure furling lines out of the way on the rail, for smooth running and snag free operation. With no moving parts and minimal weight, the stainless steel fixing nuts enclose a clever two-part marine grade shell and a hard anodised surface on the eye, it is designed for a long service life afloat.  Simple to install with no holes required in the deck, they are the perfect upgrade for anyone with a furling headsail, jib or genoa.

Hundreds of other products will be available for show and tell on the Barton display, so if you are thinking about upgrading or replacing any deck hardware ready for 2023 and looking for sleek looking, high quality, long lasting, but great value products, then visit Barton’s stand J316 at Southampton Boat Show.

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Her Majesty was the longest-serving patron in the near 200-year history of the RNLI, attending many official occasions and recognising the efforts of thousands of volunteers during her visits to lifeboat stations, through the national Honours awards, and the medals issued to operational personnel in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022 to mark the four Jubilees.

Mark said: ‘The RNLI has lost a Patron but of course the country has lost a Monarch and the Royal Family has lost a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother. I am certain that our volunteers and staff and anyone who supports the RNLI would like to send our heartfelt condolences and very best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and all the members of The Royal Family as they grieve.

‘For the RNLI, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s service was a beacon for us to follow and I personally have found that particular link incredibly powerful as I have thought about Her Majesty’s impact on the charity.

‘The mood across the RNLI started with great sadness about the loss of our Patron. It has now gone on to respect and great gratitude for the 70 years of unstinting service Her Majesty gave us as our Patron.

‘The RNLI has very strong values; selflessness, trustworthiness, dependability and courage and these are the very values that Her Majesty personified for all of the people of the UK and well beyond, right around the world.’

Her Majesty was Patron of the lifesaving charity since ascending to the throne following the death of her father King George VI in 1952 and was a much-loved member of the RNLI family.

During Her Majesty’s reign the lifesaving charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards saved 65,979 lives with RNLI lifeboats launching 329,854 times.

Her Majesty’s devotion to the RNLI started before she even became Queen when at 21 the then Princess Elizabeth donated £180, the equivalent of almost £7,000 today, to the charity.

On 27 June 1949 Princess Elizabeth conducted her first lifeboat station visit to St Helier, Jersey and on 17 July 1972, Her Majesty became the first reigning monarch to name a lifeboat, the Solent class The Royal British Legion Jubilee.

 Two years later Her Majesty hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the RNLI.

In total, Her Majesty named five lifeboats and on 16 July 1993 proudly named ‘her’ own, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat Her Majesty The Queen, which served at Lytham St Annes for almost 20 years after originally being part of the RNLI relief fleet and serving briefly at Cromer.

 On 24 July 2004, Her Majesty officially opened the RNLI’s new headquarters in Poole, Dorset accompanied by the late HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and our President, HRH The Duke of Kent and on 25 July 2012, Her Majesty opened Cowes’ new lifeboat station on the Isle of Wight.

Her Majesty’s final official engagement on behalf of the RNLI was on 17 May 2013, when she unveiled a plaque at St Ives Lifeboat Station in Cornwall and met the volunteer lifeboat crew and fundraisers.

‘Her Majesty gave 70 years of service as the RNLI’s Patron and throughout that time showed support in a number of different ways,’ added Mark.

‘Her Majesty saw a huge amount of change and modernisation of the RNLI during that time to the amazing lifesaving service being delivered 24/7 right around the coast of the UK and Ireland.

‘We know that the RNLI meant a lot to Her Majesty and she certainly meant a lot to us.’

During this time of national mourning, the RNLI’s 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland remain fully operational and ready to save lives at sea 24/7, 365 days a year.

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