Hayling Lifeboats celebrate 100 years of lifesaving.

Lifeboats in the Sailpast

Over 250 guests including current and former crew and their partners enjoyed a wonderful day on Saturday 7 May at Hayling RNLI Lifeboat Station, with superb weather, white port cocktails and over 40 boats taking part in the sailpast.

The Bishop of Portsmouth led the re-dedication of the station and its crew, and the Vice Chairman of the RNLI, Stuart Popham who is a Hayling resident, marked the occasion with a Certificate on vellum. He said ‘As a local resident, a sailor, and the Vice Chair, it was a real honour to present the vellum recognising 100 years of lifesaving service by so many dedicated Hayling Island volunteers.’ A 17th century cannon from the Fort Cumberland Guard re-enactment group set the sailpast into action and it was led by the CHC Oyster boat Terror, followed by 4 rowed cutters, 6 lifeboats from Hayling, Portsmouth, Selsey and Bembridge (pictured), and yachts and motor vessels dressed overall in flags. The Station was delighted to be able to thank many supporters and crew members who over the 100 years have launched 2762 times and rescued 1802 people of whom 543 were lives saved.