S3E3: Pasts and Present – 200 years of the RNLI
12/31/24 • 45 min
1 Listener
In this special episode, we dive into the history and future of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as it celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea.
Jess and Hannah are joined by special guests: Joanna Bellis, the RNLI’s Interpretation Development Officer, and Laura Penhaul, a trainee helm at the St Agnes Lifeboat Station. Together, they explore the evolution of lifeboats, training practices throughout the ages, and what it means to be part of the RNLI today.
From the early days of distress calls and crew gathering before the age of pagers to Neptune’s favourite tipple! This episode is jam packed with something for everyone.
Guests:
Joanna Bellis – Interpretation Development Officer, RNLI
Laura Penhaul – Trainee Helm, St Agnes Lifeboat Station
Ships
Lady Daphne
Lynher Barge
(Listen to our Lynher episode here)
Ibis
Britannia
(Listen to our Britannia episode here)
Snark
Various RNLI lifeboats, you can meet the RNLI Fleet here
Other Resources:
For more information on the RNLI’s 200-year history:
RNLI Official Website
Lynher's Fundraiser
Lady Daphne's Fundraiser
BOOK: You Can Steer a Tall Ship by Ben Lowings
Heritage Harbours
Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod.
You can also support us by buying us a slice of pizza here.
Episode artwork: We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the RNLI for granting us permission to use images from their incredible archive. The image we chose for our episode artwork shows the wreck of the Adolf Vinnen at The Lizard in 1923 (the local lifeboat assisted with aftermath) – this showing a Breeches Buoy from the clifftop. Images such as this help bring the history and legacy of the RNLI to life in our episode. All credits for the images go to the RNLI. From the RNLI Archive
Listen to two passionate traditional sailors talk about the subject they love and have a laugh at the same time!
Follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod
Sign up to our newsletter on our website
Want to support the show? Buy us a slice of pizza here
In this special episode, we dive into the history and future of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as it celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea.
Jess and Hannah are joined by special guests: Joanna Bellis, the RNLI’s Interpretation Development Officer, and Laura Penhaul, a trainee helm at the St Agnes Lifeboat Station. Together, they explore the evolution of lifeboats, training practices throughout the ages, and what it means to be part of the RNLI today.
From the early days of distress calls and crew gathering before the age of pagers to Neptune’s favourite tipple! This episode is jam packed with something for everyone.
Guests:
Joanna Bellis – Interpretation Development Officer, RNLI
Laura Penhaul – Trainee Helm, St Agnes Lifeboat Station
Ships
Lady Daphne
Lynher Barge
(Listen to our Lynher episode here)
Ibis
Britannia
(Listen to our Britannia episode here)
Snark
Various RNLI lifeboats, you can meet the RNLI Fleet here
Other Resources:
For more information on the RNLI’s 200-year history:
RNLI Official Website
Lynher's Fundraiser
Lady Daphne's Fundraiser
BOOK: You Can Steer a Tall Ship by Ben Lowings
Heritage Harbours
Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod.
You can also support us by buying us a slice of pizza here.
Episode artwork: We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the RNLI for granting us permission to use images from their incredible archive. The image we chose for our episode artwork shows the wreck of the Adolf Vinnen at The Lizard in 1923 (the local lifeboat assisted with aftermath) – this showing a Breeches Buoy from the clifftop. Images such as this help bring the history and legacy of the RNLI to life in our episode. All credits for the images go to the RNLI. From the RNLI Archive
Listen to two passionate traditional sailors talk about the subject they love and have a laugh at the same time!
Follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod
Sign up to our newsletter on our website
Want to support the show? Buy us a slice of pizza here
Previous Episode
S3E2: Something Old...
Boatbuilding. Conservation. Historic vessels. Jobs. These are the murky, complicated, fascinating themes we’ll get stuck into this episode.
Victoria Wallworth joins the Off Watch Gals for 2-parter where we delve into heritage vessels, what we can do with them, and how to engage more people in this wonderful world.
National Historic Ships Vessel Conservation Course: https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/resources/historic-vessel-conservation-qualification
National Historic Ships Vessel Conservation Book: https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/publications
Maritime Heritage Trust: https://www.maritimeheritage.org.uk/
Women in Boatbuilding: http://www.womeninboatbuilding.com/
The Matthew: https://matthew.co.uk/
Pioneer: http://www.pioneerck18.org/index.html
Boatbuilding Academy, Lyme Regis: https://boatbuildingacademy.com/
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Check out the Cornish Maritime Trust and become a member for just £30 a year: https://cornishmaritimetrust.org/
Listen to two passionate traditional sailors talk about the subject they love and have a laugh at the same time!
Follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod
Sign up to our newsletter on our website
Want to support the show? Buy us a slice of pizza here
Next Episode
S3E4: Shooting the Breeze
“Shooting the Breeze” feels like the perfect title for this one! Jess & Hannah chat with special guests, Rose Ravetz and Huw Wahl - the creators of Wind, Tide and Oar: an analogue 16mm film exploring life under sail—without an engine.
We learn all about the trials of filming at sea with a 1960's hand wound camera and tribulations of a life unburdened by diesel. So join us as we Shoot the Breeze and dive head first into the story behind Wind, Tide and Oar!
Wind, Tide & Oar is a compelling exploration of engineless sailing, shot on analogue film over three years. The film delves into the experiences of those who travel solely by harnessing the natural elements alone, following a diverse array of traditional boats and uncovering the unique rhythms and motivations of engineless navigation.
Through the film’s reveries, sailing becomes a means to explore our interaction with and responsibility to the environment. It invites deep reflection on our relationship with nature, our understanding of and commitment to sustainability, and our care for the world around us.
WIND, TIDE & OAR - in UK Cinemas from 25th April 2025
Guests:
Rose Ravetz
Huw Wahl
Ships:
Defiance (Built circa 1975)
Guide Me (Built 1911)
Blue Mermaid (Built 2019)
Birubi (Built 1967)
Tres Hombres (Built 1943)
De Tukker
EcoClipper
Wind, Tide & Oar Links:
Official Trailer:
https://www.thenewmenardpress.com/wind-tide-and-oar
Website:
www.windtideandoar.com
Screening Schedule:
https://tullstories.co.uk/films/wind-tide-oar-in-cinemas-spring-2025/
The Book:
https://www.thenewmenardpress.com/wind-tide-and-oar
Film Review:
https://www.pbo.co.uk/specials/wind-tide-oar-an-evocative-exploration-of-engineless-sailing-87764
Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod.
You can also support us by buying us a slice of pizza here.
Episode artwork: We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Huw, Rose and Tull Stories for providing images and videos for this episode.
Listen to two passionate traditional sailors talk about the subject they love and have a laugh at the same time!
Follow us on Facebook/Instagram/Youtube: @offwatchpod
Sign up to our newsletter on our website
Want to support the show? Buy us a slice of pizza here
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