RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre To Hold Open Day As Charity Marks 200 Years

On Sunday May 26, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre will hold its special bicentenary open day in celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary this year.

Between 10.30am and 3pm RNLI volunteers will carry out guided tours of the state-of-the-art factory in Clarence Road, East Cowes, where most of the lifesaving charity’s inshore lifeboats are built and maintained.

Glyn Ellis, Inshore Lifeboat Centre Business Operations Manager, said:

"Come along and meet the staff who build the lifeboats and the see how the lifeboats are made during a day of family fun.

"This year’s ILC Open Day is cause for special celebration as the RNLI marks 200 years of saving lives at sea.

"It’s a chance to commemorate our brave crews past and present, celebrate the world-class lifesaving organisation we are today and 146,000 lives saved, and inspire the crew, supporters and volunteers of tomorrow."

The Island’s Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susie Sheldon will officially declare the day open at 10.30am.

The public can walk round the site or have a guided tour and take part in a Lifeboat Naming Ceremony of a new D class Lifeboat at 1pm where the donors officially name the vessel before the lifeboat gets blessed, an emotional and humbling experience.

Youngsters will meet RNLI mascot Stormy Stan, learn how to tie marine knots, get their faces painted, have lifejackets checked and watch afloat lifeboat demonstrations in the marina.

A programme of live entertainment includes musical interludes from the Sea Shanty Choir The Slipshod Singers, the Cowes Concert Band, the ILC’s own Ukulele band and the famous Medina Marching band.

Representatives from emergency services on the Island include HM Coastguard and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Visitors can look around the Island’s RNLI heritage and visitors centre, opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2018, have a photo taken in the D class and meet the face-to-face team.

Everybody is welcome. Entry is free.