By Press Release
Yarmouth RNLI was joined by Dame Ellen MacArthur, who officially opened its new workshop on The Quay last Thursday (May 12).
The celebration included recent works which have taken place at the station’s operations centre and lifeboat shop in Quay Street.
Dame Ellen, who in 2005 broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe, welcomed the £200,000 project, saying: “As someone who uses the water a great deal, we all appreciate the RNLI’s work – although I have never called on them!
“I lived in Yarmouth in 1988 and met Howard Lester, when he was a volunteer on the lifeboat, and we became friends. I have continued to follow his career after he became coxswain 23 years ago. It has given me enormous pleasure to be here and meet everyone.”
The crew, including Howard, gave a guided tour of the lifeboat to guests and visitors. It was supported by crews from Calshot, Cowes, Bembridge, Lymington and Back of the Wight.