Atlantic 85-class lifeboat

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Atlantic 85 B-805 on exercise in Bangor
Class overview
NameAtlantic 85
BuildersInshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes
Operators Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Preceded byAtlantic 75
Cost£320,000
In service2005–
In commission2006–
Completed144
General characteristics
Class & typeB-class Atlantic 85
Displacement1.8 tonnes
Length8.44 m (27.7 ft)
Beam2.85 m (9.4 ft)
Draught0.53 m (1.7 ft)
Propulsion
  • 2 × Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines, 115 hp (86 kW)
  • 210 litres fuel
Speed35 knots (40 mph; 65 km/h)
Endurance2.5 hours
Capacity24
Complement4

The Atlantic 85 is a third-generation B-class rigid inflatable boat (RIB) inshore lifeboat. It is operated around the shores of the British Isles and the Channel Islands by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). It was developed from the Atlantic 21 and the later Atlantic 75. It entered service in 2005, and gradually replaced the Atlantic 75.

The Atlantic design of the B-class of lifeboats is named after Atlantic College, where the design was developed.[1]

Design

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The hull is made of a fibre-reinforced composite, consisting of a carbon fibre and foam core laminate with an epoxy glass and foam sandwich layup. The tubes are Hypalon.

The boat is powered by twin 115 hp (86 kW) Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines that have been inversion-proofed to ensure the engines are still operational after a capsize.

Like previous RIBs, it has a manually operated self-righting mechanism that deploys an airbag mounted atop the A-frame. It can be beached in an emergency without damage to engines or steering gear. The Atlantic 85 is fitted with radar and VHF direction finding equipment and can be operated safely in daylight in a force 6/7 wind and at night in a force 5/6.[2]

The Atlantic 85 has intercom communications between the crew and VHF radio via their helmets. The lifeboat is also equipped with the RNLI's SIMS (ship information & management system) which provides the crew with combined chartplotter and AIS, radar and VHF directional finding capability. It carries searchlights, handheld night-vision equipment and illuminating paraflares for night-time operations, as well as casualty care equipment.

To ensure equipment is kept to a high standard of repair, boats go through annual or bi-annual overhauls, and 4-year refits.[3]

All of the following fleet details are referenced to the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society Handbook, published annually, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.[4]

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  • A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805
    A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805
  • Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008
    Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008
  • Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010
    Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010
  • Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
    Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
  • Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
    Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
  • Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017
    Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017

RNLI Atlantic-85 fleet

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B-800 – B-899

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Op. No.[a] Name In service[4] Station Comments
  • B-800
  • B-PO2
 Unnamed – – Prototype
B-801 The Drayton Manor
  • 2004–2006
  • 2006
  • 2006
  • 2006–2014
  • 2014–2015
  • 2015–
  • Trials
  • Relief fleet
  • Tower
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
B-802 Chelsea Flower Show
  • 2006–2015
  • 2015–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet (B-802C)
B-803 William Hurst
  • 2006–2019
  • 2020–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet (B-803C)
B-804
  • Lydia Macdonald
  • The Jillian Scott:Spirit of the West Wight V
  • 2006–2022
  • 2024–
B-805 Jessie Hillyard 2006–2024 Bangor
B-806
  • Mudeford Servant
  • (Civil Service No. 48)
 		2006–2024 Mudeford
B-807 Mary Lewis
  • 2006–2017
  • 2017–2024
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-808 Donald McLauchlan 2006–2025 Walmer
B-809 The Two Annes 2006–2024 Teignmouth
B-810 Tabbycat
  • 2006–2008
  • 2008–2012
  • 2012–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • Relief fleet
  • Cowes
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-811 Hylton Burdon 2007–2022 Cullercoats
B-812 Frank William Walton 2006– Kilkeel
B-813 Muriel and Leslie 2006–2025 Port Erin
B-814 Sheila Stenhouse
  • 2006–2008
  • 2008–2009
  • 2009–
B-815 Peterborough Beer Festival III
  • 2006–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • 2022–2024
B-816 David Page
  • 2007–2022
  • 2022–2024
B-817 Wolseley 2007–2024 Sunderland Sold 2024, to Iceland ICE-SAR
B-818 The Oddfellows 2007– Sheringham
B-819 Minnie and Ernest George Barry 2007– Lough Swilly
B-820 Elizabeth Jane Palmer 2007– Flamborough
B-821 Gladys Mildred 2007–2023 Newquay
B-822 Spirit of Friendship 2007–2023 Aberystwyth Sold 2024, to Iceland ICE-SAR
B-823
  • Doris Joan
  • Spirit of Hornsea
  • 2007–2023
  • 2024–
B-824 Richard and Elizabeth Deaves 2007–2023 Minehead Donated 2025, to Royal Montserrat Police Service
B-825 Norma Ethel Vinall
  • 2008–2020
  • 2020–2022
  • 2022–
  • Relief fleet
  • Dart
  • Training fleet
B-826
  • Sgt. Bob Martin
  • (Civil Service No. 50)
 		2008– Poole
B-827 Olive Laura Deare II 2008– Gravesend
B-828 Elaine and Don Wilkinson 2008– Silloth
B-829 Derrick Battle 2009– Hayling Island
B-830 Douglas Murray
  • 2008–2021
  • 2021–2023
  • 2024–
B-831 Joy Morris MBE 2009– St Bees
B-832 Rose of The Shires 2009– Porthcawl
B-833 Blue Peter V 2009– Portaferry
B-834 William Henry Liddington 2009– Bundoran
B-835 Martin Harvey
  • 2009–2024
  • 2024–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-836 Tommy Niven 2009– Kinghorn
B-837
  • Charles Dibdin
  • (Civil Service No.51)
 		2009– New Brighton
B-838 Annette Mary Liddington 2010– Beaumaris
B-839 Maureen Lillian 2010– Penarth
B-840 Harold Bains
  • 2010–2022
  • 2022–
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
B-841 Eric W Wilson 2010– St Catherine
B-842 Hello Herbie 2010–2015 Rye Harbour
B-843 Geoffrey Charles 2010– Red Bay
B-844 Edith Louise Eastwick 2010– Kilrush
B-845 James Dugdale
  • 2010–2015
  • 2015–2021
  • 2021–2025
  • 2025–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Fowey
B-846 Norma T 2010– Portsmouth
B-847 Hereford Endeavour 2010– Trearddur Bay
B-848 Spirit of West Norfolk 2011– Hunstanton
B-849 Tony and Robert Britt 2011– Burnham-on-Crouch
B-850 Edna May 2011– Relief fleet
B-851 Jimmie Cairncross 2012– Queensferry
B-852 Random Harvest 2011– Brighton
B-853 Binny 2011– Galway
B-854 R.A.Wilson 2011– Largs
B-855 Eric C Guest
  • 2011–2016
  • 2016–2020
  • 2020
  • 2020–
B-856 Spirit of Fred. Olsen 2011– Kyle of Lochalsh
B-857 Spirit of Loch Fyne 2012– Lyme Regis
B-858 Leicester Challenge III 2012– Redcar
B-859 Sheena Louise 2012– Cowes
B-860 Max Walls 2012– Calshot
B-861 Glanely 2012– Appledore
B-862 James and Helen Mason 2012– Tighnabruaich
B-863 David Porter MPS
  • 2012–2025
  • 2025–
B-864 Richard Wake Burdon 2012– Newbiggin
B-865 Malcolm and Mona Bennett-Williams
  • 2012–2022
  • 2022–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-866 Louis Simson 2013– Skerries
B-867 William and Eleanor 2013– Blackpool
B-868 Annie Tranmer 2013– Southwold
B-869 Joyce King 2013– Clifden
B-870 John and Louisa Fisher
  • 2013–2021
  • 2021–
B-871 Albatross 2013– Cardigan
B-872 Toby Rundle 2014– Clovelly
B-873 Robert and Isobel Mowat 2014– Kessock
B-874 Robert Armstrong 2014– Helvick Head
B-875 Alexander
  • 2014–2015
  • 2015–2017
  • 2018–2024
  • 2024–
B-876 Rachael Hedderwick 2014– Arran (Lamlash)
B-877 Lewisco 2014– Whitstable
B-878 Claire and David Delves 2014– Ramsgate
B-879 Just George 2014– West Mersea
B-880 Martin Frederick Whitehouse 2014– Relief fleet
B-881 Solihull 2015– Hartlepool
B-882 David Bradley 2015– Lymington
B-883 Roy Snewin 2015– Relief fleet
B-884 My Lady Anne 2015– Portishead
B-885 Julia & Angus Wright 2016– Southend-on-Sea
B-886 Peter and Ann Setten 2015– Abersoch
B-887 Jacqueline Saville 2015– Mablethorpe
B-888 Sheila & Dennis Tongue 2015– Sligo Bay
B-889 Elizabeth and Maraget Milligan
  • 2015–2019
  • 2019–2024
B-890 Gordon and Phil 2016– Youghal
B-891 Renée Sherman 2016– Littlehampton
B-892 John and Janet 2016– Crosshaven
B-893 Mollie and Ivor Dent 2016– Penlee
B-894 Sheila & Dennis Tongue II 2016– Looe
B-895 Irene Cornford 2016– Relief fleet
B-896 Hugh Miles 2016– Aberdovey
B-897 Sheila & Dennis Tongue III 2016– Staithes and Runswick
B-898 Susan Margaret Forsbrey 2017– Relief fleet
B-899 Howard Bell
  • 2017–2023
  • 2024–2025
  • 2025–
[5]

B-900 – B-999

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Op. No.[a] Name In service[4] Station[b] Comments
B-900 Hello Herbie II 2017– Rye Harbour
B-901 Enid Foster MBE 2017– Relief fleet
B-902 Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV 2018– Loch Ness
B-903 Angus and Muriel Mackay 2017– Helensburgh
B-904 Douglas, Euan and Kay Richards 2017– Carrybridge
B-905 Gladys Hilda Mustoe 2018– Salcombe
B-906 Charles Lucock 2018– Relief Fleet
B-907 Tierney Harvey & Sonny Reid 2018– Harwich
B-908 Annabel E. Jones 2018– Plymouth
B-909
  • Miss Sally Anne (Baggy) II
  • Never Fear, Baggy's Here
 2018– Kinsale [6]
B-910 Rita Daphne Smyth 2018– Baltimore
B-911 Jean Spier 2019– Lough Derg
B-912 John and Jean Lewis 2018– Enniskillen
B-913 Pride of Fred. Olsen
  • 2019
  • 2019
  • 2019–2020
  • 2020–2021
  • 2021–2024
[7]
B-914 Doris Day and Brian 2019– Burnham-on-Sea
B-915 The Missus Barrie 2019– Burry Port
B-916 Robina Nixon Chard 2019– Falmouth
B-917 Jack & Phyl Cleare 2021– Weymouth
B-918 Ted Dawber 2019– Relief Fleet
B-919 Jamie Hunter 2019– Stonehaven
B-920 Tara Scougall 2019– Lough Ree
B-921 Vivacious Atlantic 2019– Relief Fleet
B-922 Jean McIvor 2020– Littlestone-on-Sea
B-923 Patricia Southall 2021– Blyth
B-924 Christine and Raymond Fielding 2021– Union Hall
B-925 John Rowntree 2021– Gt. Yarmouth & Gorleston
B-926 Julie Poole 2021– Relief fleet
B-927 Dylan Rotchell
  • 2021–2023
  • 2023–
B-928 Marjorie Shepherd 2021– Filey
B-929 Paul and Stella Rowsell 2021– Relief fleet
B-930 Colonel Stock 2022– Margate
B-931 Frank C Samworth 2022– Dart [8]
B-932 Pamela Rosemary Dashwood 2022– Relief fleet
B-933 Skipasund 2022– Macduff [9]
B-934 The Spirit of St Helier 2022– St Helier [10]
B-935 Daddy's Girl 2022– Cullercoats
B-936 Uncle Johnny 2023– Newquay [11]
B-937 Florence and Ernest Bowles 2023– Aberystwyth
B-938 Frank Townley 2023– Criccieth
B-939 Penny J II 2023– Minehead [12]
B-940 Penny J 2024– Berwick-upon-Tweed
B-941 Sam and Freda Parkinson 2024– Relief fleet
B-942 Loving You 2025– Cleethorpes
B-943 Harold Hobbs 2024– St Peter Port [13]
B-944 Ruby Robinson 2024– Bangor [14]
B-945 SeaGil 2024– Sunderland
B-946 Spirit of Cooperation 2024– Relief fleet
B-947 Claude and Kath 2024– Teignmouth [15]
B-948 Herietta H 2024– Mudeford [16]
B-949 Ralph 2025– Aldeburgh [5]
B-950 Hounslow Branch 2025– Walmer [17]
B-951 Neil Crowe 2025– Port Erin [18]
B-952 tbc (Kirkcudbright)
B-953 tbc (Sheringham) In production
B-954 tbc (Arbroath)
B-955 tbc (Newcastle) In production
B-956 tbc (Fowey) In production
B-957 tbc (Relief fleet) In production
  1. ^ a b Op. No. is the RNLI's operational number of the boat
  2. ^ (Brackets) used to signify that a boat is assigned to a specific station, but isn't yet at that location, or in service

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "B class Atlantic lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Atlantic 85 Details". RNLI. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
  3. ^ "Inshore Lifeboat Centre - Repairs and overhauls". RNLI.org. RNLI. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  4. ^ a b c Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2025). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2025. Lifeboats Enthusiasts Society. pp. 83–86.
  5. ^ a b "Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat delivered" (Press release). RNLI. 3 February 2025.
  6. ^ "Kinsale RNLI names new lifeboat in memory of donor, 'godmother' and friend". RNLI. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
  7. ^ "Fred. Olsen guests fund and name new RNLI lifeboat" (Press release). RNLI.
  8. ^ Haines, Emma (21 May 2023). "Dart RNLI volunteers officially name their new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Skipasund Lifeboat Arrives in Macduff". The Skipasund Foundation. Skipasund Foundation. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Jersey's RNLI takes delivery of new lifeboat – and it is immediately called into action". Jersey Evening Post. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  11. ^ "Newquay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew welcomes brand new B-Class lifeboat". RNLI. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Lifeboat named and revamped RNLI station officially opened in Minehead". West Somerset Free Press. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  13. ^ "New Guernsey RNLI lifeboat honours volunteer killed in WW2". BBC. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  14. ^ McAloon, Nuala (26 June 2024). "New Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat goes on service at Bangor RNLI". RNLI. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  15. ^ Furlong, Amy (13 November 2024). "Teignmouth RNLI receive new Atlantic 85 lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  16. ^ King, Robert (5 December 2024). "New lifeboat for Mudeford RNLI". RNLI. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  17. ^ "New lifeboat for Walmer RNLI". RNLI. 1 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  18. ^ Beesley, Niki (24 June 2025). "New Atlantic 85 class lifeboat arrives at Port Erin RNLI". RNLI. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
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