Clyde Clas 70-002

Great set of photos Iain,saw you passing ***brae a few weeks ago still looking tip top

A proper gentleman is Brian, Iain

Person leaning on after rail is Mechanic Hewitt Clark later Coxswain of Lerwick Lifeboat.

I recall sometime in the mid 70's visiting one of the Clyde class whilst under refit at the Cornish boatyard Mashfords. Over the years i have wondered what was their role as they seemed very big to be lifeboats, especially if needed for the usual coastal rapid response?

I don't think they really had a proper role. They were introduced after the RNLI saw a German cruising lifeboat, and the Norwegians had some which followed their fishing fleets. The Clydes only had an endurance of 3 days, were very cramped, relatively slow (10kts) and had a draft of nearly 8ft. Apart from that they were obviously expensive to run, and when in cruising mode were never in the right place at the right time, so quickly reverted to ordinary station boats. The one you saw was probably 70-001 which was based at Clovelly, 002 being stationed at Kirkwall.

Is she not at Largs now Iain.!! (Wave) have a good one, (Pint)

Thankyou for your update, yes Clovelly does ring a bell.

I think you might be right Wully, sometimes I even wonder where I am! Happy new year to you when it comes.

I think it was Ian Jack frd Willie Ross in door myself and Ralf White aft