DONAGHADEE LIFEBOAT CENTENARY RALLY July 10th 2010.

Some historic lifeboats made it to Donaghadee despite the poor weather in the week preceeding the event on Saturday July 10th

First to arrive was Steve Streets 47ft Watson "FRANCIS W WOTHERSPOON" from Douglas, Isle of Man, followed by Bernard Condons 47 ft Watson "JOSEPH SOAR" from Londonderry, David Inglis in his 35.6ft Liverpool "BASSETT GREEN" made it from Crinan Basin in really poor weather on an overnight passage round the Mull of Kintyre. Maurice Singers Waveney "BADGER" ex Helen Turnbull, also from Douglas was last to arrive.

Some visiting owners supporting the event were Graham Mountford from Newquay, owner of 35.6 Liverpool "HERBERT JOHN" currently under restoration at , Michael Ankuda from Hastings, New York owner of Rother "SILVER JUBILEE", Andy Iannetta and his son Jamie from Berkley, owners of Arun "MABEL ALICE".

All owners and crews together with the local crew, were entertained to a welcome evening on the Friday evening in the Meadowbank Social Club.

After the Saturday centenary ceremony, the crews were again, very well entertained at Donaghadee Sailing Club.

Michael Vlasto OBE, RNLI Operations Director who was guest of honour, visited the boats on Sunday and reminised with the owners, he also visited Quintons restoration facility which he described as a "time warp".

All the owners and visitors were very pleased with the hospitality Donaghadee provided.

Images from the Rally here and here