LYONESSE CONVERSION AND RE-DEDICATION

1991

By Chris Young

This is an ex-RNLI lifeboat of the Brede Class, converted for a Dutch client, just about to be re-dedicated with its new name Lyonesse, following its full refit in preparation for the owners customised specification. It went to Holland in June 1991 where it remained for over ten years.

Photo:Re-dedication scene showing busy background harbour scene

Re-dedication scene showing busy background harbour scene

From the private collection of Chris Young

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'LYONESSE CONVERSION AND RE-DEDICATION' page

From the private collection of Chris Young

This page was added by Ginny Smith on 21/12/2008.
Comments about this page

The Brede class 33' lifeboat where something of a stop gap between Inshore Lifeboats and the larger Offshore craft. Only a handful where built at Rye in Sussex and they mostly operated in fairly protected areas, Poole Harbour, Oban, Fowey. One of the class was the first boat stationed at the 'New' RNLI station at Alderney in the Channel Islands. She was subsequently replaced by our own Waveney "Louis Marchesi of The Round Table" when she in turn was replaced by our Arun "Keith Anderson". Alderneys first Coxswain was also the harbour master, Steve Smith - whose mother lived at Peacehaven.

By Rob Patten
On 28/12/2008

The photos shown were taken in 1991, as indicated, just prior to her rededication as 'LYONESSE' and following her sale out of RNLI service.  We carried out a full conversion of interior, giving more appropriate accomation for the new Dutch owner (as little creature comforts are in RNLI spec' etc.).  Once all these works were completed, and following her new naming, we delivered her to Vissingen in Holland.  The work was done at Newhaven Marina Workshops, which offered boating repair services at this time. This Brede had been based at Oban while in RNLI service .

By Chris Young
On 05/01/2009

"Lyonesse" has been sitting alongside a pontoon on the River Hamble, and looking rather sad and neglected, for some months now. See photo at: http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab300/Ed_Hughes/P3080009.jpg

By Edward Hughes
On 13/03/2011

Thanks very much for the input, but the boat is fine after the winter layup. I have kept Lyonesse on that pontoon for about 5 years now!

By Alan
On 10/04/2011

"Lyonesse" has now been purchased by the N.S.R.I in South Africa and will be returning to duties as a lifeboat as soon as some modifications are done. N.S.R.I. currently have five ex-R.N.L.I. Bredes in their fleet and they have proven their worth over many years. She is to replace another Brede (Nottinghamshire 33-10) that, sadly, was destroyed in a factory fire in 2010 whilst awaiting a refit. You can read the story on the N.S.R.I. webpage: http://www.nsri.org.za/2012/02/ex-rnli-deep-sea-rescue-boat-arrives/

By Tim Edwards
On 02/02/2012
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