The new 85 class lifeboat is due to arrive on January 6th. The Atlantic 85 is the third generation B-Class Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) developed from the Atlantic 21 and later Atlantic 75. The Atlantic class of lifeboats is named after Atlantic College, where the design was originally developed.
Like previous RIBs it has a manually operated self-righting mechanism, deploying an airbag mounted atop the A-frame arch. It is capable of being beached in an emergency without sustaining 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 and at night in a force 5/6. Read more..
