An evening with the Caister Lifeboat (Photography)

Each year the Caister Lifeboat team thank their volunteers by offering them the opportunity to head out on to the high seas to experience this amazing piece of machinery. I wrote about this amazing bit of kit some time ago but just to recap some of key facts:

1. It has two 450 horsepower engines
2. It can operate at speeds of 37 knots (43mph) for periods of up to 6 hours in most weather conditions
3. It can operate in waist high waters
4. It can stop from full speed in its own length - 11 meters
5. It has 3 fuel tanks (forward, centre and rear) and fuel is pumped between them to balance the boat depending on sea conditions.

Getting the boat ready was quite a leisurely affair on this occasion but it's often launched within 7 minutes of the crew being notified of a "shout".

Now, unfortunately I'm not a volunteer so didn't get to go speeding about by my mum is...and did. I think she'll be taking about it for some time to come.

The coxwain didn't mess about and gave the volunteers the full experience. This thing goes like a bat out of hell when launched. It is lowered into the sea in its trailer until afloat - then powers off.

Returning to shore after the first of 3 trips out.

Sun setting over the old lifeboat shed (left) with the newer shed visible on the right.

The coxwain took the volunteers out to the wind farm which is located on Scroby Sands which is around 4 miles off the coast.

The boat circling shortly after launching with my mum on board.

The birds weren't particularly happy and had to scarper.

Off out again! First stop was Scroby Sands to go see the seals.

There were a number of vessels heading out into the North Sea that evening.