The first Lifeboat Station on Guernsey was established at St Sampsons in 1803 following representation to the then States of Guernsey by the Douzaine (local parish council) of St Peter Port. The Station was taken over by the RNLI in 1861 and subsequently moved to St Peter Port, where it is presently based, in 1881. The Station has seen a variety of lifeboats over the years and the current lifeboat is the Severn class 'Spirit of Guernsey' ON 1203. The Island has always been proud to support the Lifeboat Station and crews and subscribed over £55,000 in a special appeal towards the cost of the Arun class 'Sir William Arnold', ON 1025, in 1973. Twenty years later friends in Guernsey, Sark, Herm and elsewhere responded generously to the Guernsey Severn Lifeboat Appeal by raising more than £1 million.

Records show that the Guernsey Lifeboats have been launched nearly 1000 times and saved almost 600 lives. Guernsey can be extremely proud of the many Coxswains and crew who have accumulated a most impressive number of RNLI gallantry awards with no less than 2 Gold Medals, 8 Silver Medals and 15 Bronze Medals being awarded since 1861. There were also 6 Silver Medals awarded before the RNLI took over the Station. In addition, the bravery and skill of local crews have been recognised by several foreign Governments with awards from France, Norway, Greece and Liberia. This show of bravery is almost unparalleled by any other RNLI Station in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The Guernsey Lifeboat Station and Guernsey Harbour Authority would like to invite owners of ex-lifeboats to visit St Peter Port with their lifeboats for the bicentenary celebrations weekend.

The Guernsey Harbour Authority will waive mooring charges for any ex-lifeboats visiting St Peter Port on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June 2002.

Persons wishing to bring their boats over for the celebrations should contact either Mr A Pattimore or Miss A Coquelin at the St Peter Port Harbour Authority on 01481 720229 by 15th May 2003.

 

LIKELY PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

 

SATURDAY 14TH JUNE

AM	Visiting lifeboats and visiting former lifeboats assemble in St Peter Port Harbour.
1545	Lifeboats and escorting boats from the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, Guernsey Yacht Club and Guernsey Boatowners Association assemble for a Parade under the instruction of the Harbour Master.
1715	All boats return to the Victoria Marina under the guidance of the Harbour Master.
1800	Vin d'Honneur in the Marquee on the Albert Pier. 1915 The Boys Brigade Beat the Retreat.
2000-2200	Buffet in the Marquee for visiting lifeboat personnel and invited guests.

SUNDAY 15TH JUNE

1030	Service of Thanksgiving.