A relief Tamar class RNLI lifeboat arrived at Angle on Monday to test the new re-profiled slipway. The new slipway is part of a major project to adapt the boathouse in preparation for the arrival of its own state-of-the-art £2.6M lifeboat in spring 2009.
RNLI engineers, inspectors and senior personnel were present to ensure the Tamar was able to launch and recover safely and effectively from the new slipway.
Colin Williams, RNLI divisional inspector for the West said: "We are all very pleased that the launch and recovery trials at Angle went without any problems. We have now proved that the recent extensive modifications carried out at Angle to allow a new larger lifeboat to operate from the RNLI boathouse, have been completed in good time ready to accept the new lifeboat due in March 2009. This lifeboat station is one of the five major slipway boathouse projects required within Wales to allow us to upgrade the all-weather lifeboat fleet on our coastline with larger and faster boats."
The RNLI recently announced the London-based Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons donated £1.6M towards the new lifeboat. The windfall was a significant boost to fund-raising efforts, which RNLI supporters began so effectively at grass-roots level in Birmingham and Wales. The £1.6M donor will have the right to name the new lifeboat, during a ceremony, which will take place in June, 2009.
Major works at the Angle boathouse are nearing completion. The project has included raising the floor of the crew room to make room for the boat, which is much bigger and faster than the current Tyne class lifeboat.
Angle is the second RNLI lifeboat station in Wales to receive a Tamar lifeboat, with Tenby being the first.