This year’s LBES visit to the coast took in the stations and maritime heritage of the Isle of Wight from 29 to 31 May 2026. The small group of dedicated lifeboat supporters visited all three RNLI stations, as well as the Inshore Lifeboat Centre at east Cowes.
Friday 29 May Visit to the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) at East Cowes, where Glyn Ellis kindly showed the group round the impressive facility, explaining where and how B class and D class inshore lifeboats are built.
Friday 29 May Cowes lifeboat station welcomed the group in the afternoon, and the Atlantic 85 Sheena Louise (B-859) launched on exercise.
Saturday 30 May Bembridge lifeboat station hosted the group in the morning, and the spectacular sight of a slipway launch for 16m Tamar Alfred Albert Williams (16-17).
Sunday 31 May Yarmouth lifeboat station.
Other lifeboat-related locations Some embers visited St Mary’s Church at Brook to see the old service boards of closed stations.