A Westcountry resort has been named as one of the first places in the country that will receive a new superfast lifeboat next year.
Exmouth RNLI has begun trials of the state-of-the-art Shannon class all-weather boat as well as the accompanying device needed for launch and recovery. A fundraising appeal is now underway to raise £150,000 towards the cost of the launch and recovery vehicle.
The charity said testing the prototype vessel was essential to ensure it performs against strict criteria at varying speeds and weather conditions. The model is being assessed in different waters around the UK and yesterday it arrived to be put through its paces in East Devon.
Tim Mock, RNLI coxswain at Exmouth, said the trials represent an exciting future for the lifeboat station.
"With a top speed of 25 knots, the Shannon is almost 50 per cent faster than the current Mersey class lifeboat we have," he added.
"Its new onboard technology will to make life safer and easier for the volunteer crews."
The Shannon has been designed in-house by RNLI naval architects using cutting edge technology.
Powered by twin water jets rather than conventional propellers, it can operate in shallow waters and is highly manoeuvrable.
The boat has been paid for thanks to a legacy from Mrs Joan Welburn who lived in Sidmouth up until her death in 2009. The lifeboat will be named the R&J Welburn as a memorial to her late husband Raymond.
A launch and recovery vehicle, which is capable of 360-degree turns, will be manufactured by Honiton-based company Supercat Ltd.
