Torbay RNLI recreates 19th century lifeboat as centrepiece of StormFest 160

Teams from Torbay RNLI, Teignmouth RNLI and Brixham Gig Rowing Club will start the day pulling the gig through the streets of Teignmouth and Torquay. The strenuous activity continues with members of Torbay’s crew and the gig club then rowing the gig across Tor Bay to Brixham harbour. A flotilla of gig boats and lifeboats from south Devon RNLI lifeboat stations will accompany them across the bay.

The gig boat has been wrapped by one of Torbay RNLI’s volunteer crew members, Mike Good, who, despite being a well-known (w)rapper, has yet to acquire a (w)rappers nickname. Using over 60 square metres of material, Mike spent nearly 20 hours meticulously covering the gig’s 9.8 metre long hull.

Amy Plowman, Gig Captain at Brixham Gig Rowing Club commented, 'We're delighted to be part of Torbay RNLI's anniversary event this year. Our rowers love the look of the newly-wrapped boat. And although the boat's now a little heavier in the water with the wrap, it remains fast and - most importantly - buoyant.'

Richard Fowler, Coxswain, Torbay RNLI added, 'We're honoured to have the Brixham Gig Rowing Club as part of our celebrations this year. They're our close neighbour in Brixham harbour and now seeing the wrapped gig boat being rowed through the water makes that connection between us even stronger.'

The boat can now been seen in its full lifeboat colours being rowed from the gig club's boathouse near the Brixham Breakwater during one of the gig clubs many evening training sessions.

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