Read the latest updates on the Launch a Memory relief lifeboat Eric’s Legend.
Eric's Legend updates
Launch a Memory
Celebrate the life of someone you love on the side of a very special lifeboat
What is Launch a Memory?
Launch a Memory is an opportunity to add a name to the letters and numbers on a Shannon class lifeboat, to remember a loved one or celebrate someone still with us.
Our current Launch a Memory lifeboat Eric’s Legend 13-40 is part of the RNLI relief fleet, meaning it will save lives all around the UK, where the need is greatest, with your loved one right there besides the crew.
Watch our quick video to find out more and read our full terms and conditions.
How Launch a Memory works
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1
Add your loved one's name
Celebrate someone special by adding their name to the lifeboat. You can add up to 10 names using our easy online form. The suggested donation is £50/€50 per name. -
2
Keep an eye on your inbox
We'll email your confirmation once you've submitted your name(s), and then send regular updates about the lifeboat. -
3
Print your certificate
Within 48 hours of signing up, we’ll email you a printable certificate in honour of your loved one(s). You’ll receive separate certificates for each name you’ve added. -
4
Leave a dedication
Share your stories, pictures and thoughts on our special dedications page, using the link in your confirmation email.
Photo: The Cass family
Photo: The Cass Family
Photo: Renatas Janulevicius
Photo: RNLI/Charis Walker
Stephen Duncombe
About the lifeboat Eric’s Legend 13-40
What’s a relief boat?
Without relief lifeboat like Eric’s Legend, we couldn’t save lives at sea 24/7. When a station’s lifeboat needs routine maintenance or repair, relief lifeboats step in to save lives at sea. Between 2021 and 2022, Eric’s Legend launched 20 times to emergencies at sea and helped 97 people.
The story of Eric’s Legend
Relief lifeboat Eric’s Legend 13-40 was named by Jean Cass in memory of her late husband Eric Cass. When Jean met Eric, she not only fell in love with him, but also his love for cruising and being at sea. They became avid RNLI supporters and when Eric passed away in 2018, Jean made a generous donation in his memory, which helped fund Eric’s Legend.
Come and see the lifeboat up close
Once you've made your donation to add your chosen name(s) to the lifeboat, we'll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities where you may have the unique chance to witness your loved one's name proudly displayed on the side of the lifeboat, potentially at our All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset.
We invite you to watch our video where you can hear stories from supporters who have participated in previous events and added names to our previous Launch a Memory boats.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to the top questions about Launch a Memory. See our full FAQs.A relief fleet boat is a crucial component of the RNLI's life-saving operations. When regular lifeboats require maintenance and upgrades due to the wear and tear from numerous rescues and challenging sea conditions, they may be away from their stations for extended periods.
To ensure continuous lifesaving capabilities, the RNLI maintains a relief lifeboat fleet comprising of 34 all-weather lifeboats, always ready for immediate deployment to any of the 237 lifeboat stations. They seamlessly step in for the regular lifeboats, ensuring uninterrupted life-saving services during their absence.
In general, names will be arranged in the order we receive them from supporters. However, the names will be arranged in a way that best fits the shape of the decal.
Please feel free to email [email protected] and we will endeavour to keep them together, although we can't guarantee this.
Your loved one’s name will appear alongside thousands of other dearly missed loved ones within the decal that forms the letters and numbers on the lifeboat, including a port and starboard decal.
- We are unable to accept joint names – e.g. The Smiths or John and Joan Smith
- We are unable to take submissions that have additional information such as numbers and locations – e.g. John Smith Plymouth 1952
- We are unable to accept the name of a group – e.g. Plymouth RNLI Swimmers
Eric's Legend 13-40 is one of our latest Shannon in the relief fleet, on standby in strategic points around the UK. The boat is kept in a constant state of operational readiness to provide cover at selected stations. 13-40 will be ready to be sent, at any time, to any of our selected lifeboat stations to seamlessly take over from the regular lifeboat and save lives in its absence.
The suggested donation of £50/€50 per name for Launch a Memory is based on careful consideration of the resources and costs required. This amount is typically determined based on various factors such as the RNLI’s funding needs, the average donation amount received, and the impact that a particular donation size can have in supporting the RNLI's mission.
It's important to note that the suggested donation amount is not mandatory or binding. You have the freedom to contribute any amount you feel comfortable with and can afford.
Updates on Launch a Memory lifeboats
Read about the latest updates on the Anstruther Launch a Memory lifeboat
Anstruther updates
Read about the latest updates on the Clifden Launch a Memory lifeboat
Clifden updates
Read the latest updates on the Invergordon Launch a Memory lifeboat.
Invergordon updates
Bereavement support
If you are struggling and need support, please contact your GP or reach out to a support organisation such as:
Samaritans Ireland or Samaritans UK - call 116 123, 24 hours a day
Cruse Bereavement Support - call 0808 808 1677
Mind - call 0300 123 3393 (10am-6pm, Monday-Friday)
In the UK, text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hours)
In Ireland, text HELLO to 50808 (24 hours)
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now. If you’re in the UK and you need help urgently with your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online or call 111.