Shout...

Whilst at work yesterday the ALB went out on service at lunchtime. Martin ended up panicking slightly as he had yet to write his speech for the AGM. As I wasn't there I'll let Steve tell the story:

With Swanage's All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) in Poole for repairs it was the Relief Lifeboat 'Peggy & Alex Caird' that was called into action yesterday.

Portland Coastguard requested that the lifeboat launch to the assistance of a 35' yacht that had suffered catastrophic steering failure (the steering wheel fell off!) in the tidal race off St Albans Head. The lifeboat launched and met up with the yacht about 0.5Nm SE of Anvil Point. A towline was passed across and the slow tow against the strong ebb tide commenced, complicated by the yachts rudder being stuck to starboard. After looking at the weather forecast it was decided to tow the yacht to Poole as there was a possibility of NE wind overnight. Once the yacht was secured alongside Poole Quay the lifeboat was released to return to Swanage.

The good news is Martin's speech was every bit as good as it usually is...