With the organisation now structured and finances secured, advice taken and research done, it was finally time to place the order for the new boat. This happened on 24th March 2016. The chosen manufacturer was Marine Specialised Technology Group (MST) based in Liverpool who make boats for military and specialist operators worldwide, with over 20 years of experience in designing Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats, which the Thomas Tunnock was to be. The chosen design of boat had very sexy credentials, if boats are your thing. A maximum speed of 40 knots was specified, with a range of 150 nautical miles and not one, but two 200HP OBM Mercury Optimax engines. This was to be the very best of lifeboats and very possibly the fastest Lifeboat on the east coast at that time. The order had a July delivery date but the community had no time to sit back and relax. The boat’s cradle needed adapting and the winch system needed overhauling for the heavier boat. Works were also needed to the station’s structural supports.
Over the following months, several visits to the boat as it was constructed were made, and updates from MST were sent. The sub structure was created and then the boat left the factory at the end of June to have its sponsons fitted, whilst MST turned their attention to the various modules, electronics and the shockwave seats that were to be fitted when she returned.
The fundraising group meanwhile were focusing on the need for a formal launch event once the boat materialised – an event of celebration, but obviously also of thanks to all those who had supported, donated and worked so hard to make so much progress in such a short space of time. It had to be a very special occasion. At its June meeting the group reported that an event planner was being used, sponsorship had been pursued, 100 official guests had been identified, police, parking, and shuttle buses had been investigated. A marquee at the school was proposed to host a finger buffet. Invited guests, press and public were given designated areas around the harbour. A piper was booked. A PA system was procured. A programme of music was devised. The “to do” list was neverendingly long. This just left the crew to decide how many turns they were going to do around the harbour before they let those twin 200HP engines do their thing out of the harbour mouth.
The vision was becoming reality, step by step.
To be continued……on 19th July with “The Wardrobe”……
If you were involved in the campaign at the time and have any memories you’d like to share about what you did and what it meant to you, please use the link above to post your thoughts.
If you have any photos you’d like to include in this album we’d love to see them so please email them to [email protected]
