The "Spirit of the A.C.C." is a 16 foot inflatable `D Class` inshore lifeboat.

This class of lifeboat is the smallest operated by the RNLI , and they are a common sight at Lifeboat Stations round the coast. In Cornwall, D class ILBs are stationed at Bude, Port Isaac, Rock, St.Agnes, St.Ives, Sennen Cove, Marazion, Fowey and Looe.

The "Spirit of the A.C.C." was funded by members of the Royal Logistics Corp. who took part in a sponsored walk, swim and cycle ride from their base in Germany to Cornwall. The fully fitted out boat costs in the region of £11,500.

The `D Class` is a superb machine for work close inshore and in the surf. A 40 hp petrol outboard engine gives the lifeboat a top speed of 20 knots - and very good manoeuvrability. The lifeboat only needs a few inches of water to float ; and can be beached and refloated with relative ease. A surprising amount of equipment is carried in this tiny boat....vhf radio, lights,flares,first aid kits, anchor and sea anchor, tow ropes etc.

The ILB normally has a crew of three and is primarily used here at Sennen Cove for surfer / swimmer incidents as well as assisting in cliff incidents where the casualty is near the water. The very nature of its work requires a swift response , and the ILB can normally be afloat within five minutes of the `bleepers` going off.

With a retirement age of 45 , the D Class is certainly a young persons` boat ! The ride, even in fine weather, can best be described as uncomfortable - sometimes horrendous. We are lucky at Sennen Cove to have people who actually enjoy this experience !!