Arancia-class lifeboat explained

The Arancia-class inshore rescue craft is a class of small inflatable rescue boat (IRB) operated by, among others, Surf Lifesaving Great Britain, Surf Life Saving Association of Wales and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Arancia inshore rescue craft originates from New Zealand where it is made by Arancia Industries Ltd. The Arancia surf rescue craft is also used in Surf Rescue competitions to demonstrate the high speed rescue skills of boat crews around the world. When in use it carries up to two crew and is primarily used for surf lifesaving duties.

Other small boats operated by the RNLI include the X-class lifeboat, XP-class lifeboat and Y-class lifeboat. The RNLI have placed Arancias at lifeboat stations to supplement Atlantic 85s.

Two stations in Wales, Aberystwyth[1] and Criccieth, now have these as permanent resources after a trial period.[2]

Fleet

Op. No.NameIn ServiceStationComments
A-102003
2010–2011
2011–2012
(Trials)
The Lizard (BB)
Porthdinllaen (BB)
A-17St Davids (BB)
A-312016–2020
A-48Margaret and Bruce2011–2012
A-67Malcolm Hawkesford I2013–
A-682013–2017
2017–
Fowey (BB)
Relief fleet
A-702009–2010
A-732010–2011
2011–2012
2013–2015
2015–2019


Moelfre (BB)
Relief fleet
A-76Margaret and Nantw2011–
A-77Kingfisher2012–2020
A-78Wren2012–

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: RNLI lifeboat's Welsh church blessing is UK first . walesonline. 28 January 2013 . 2016-04-22.
  2. Book: Leonard . Richie . Denton . Tony . Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024 . 2024 . Lifeboats Enthusiasts Society . 4–132.