This was a much anticipated visit and definitely did not disappoint.   The RNLI manufacture their own lifeboats and the current type is the Shannon Class.  We saw the 5 stages or “pulses” in the manufacturing process which together with acceptance sea trials means it’s around 17 months before the new boat enters service.  The Shannon Class is unique in that it uses two 65hp engines with Hamilton water jets for propulsion giving it extraordinary speed and manoeuvrability.   The top speed is 25kts (30 mph) and the water jets enable it can stop in its own length as well as being able to spin in its own length.  All this comes at a cots of around £2.8m.

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