Introducing the 'William Cantrell Ashley' - ON 871, ex- RNLI, self-righting Liverpool Class Lifeboat.
William Cantrell Ashley' represents the finest traditions of the Lifeboat Service.
Carrying a crew of seven brave men, this boat would launch into horrendous seas, day or night, in order to save lives.
Found in near derelict condition in 1996, the vessel was totally restored to its original condition by Master Boat Builders and is the last of this class of Lifeboat still sailing English waters.
Today, William Cantrell Ashley is licensed and fully insured, with all safety equipment onboard, to carry 12 passengers and crew and is available for charter and hire all year round.
The aim is to preserve this fine example of a now rare class of Lifeboat, in sea going condition, for many years to come, so that children and adults alike can experience a sea-trip in a genuine, historic Lifeboat, a 'hands on' history lesson, never to be forgotten.
William Cantrell Ashley is an important part of Britain's Maritime History, a tribute to the designers, the craftsmen who built her in an era when each plank was carefully moulded to shape by hand and where the boat builder expected his work to last forever, the crew who sailed in her and above all else, a tribute to those she saved.
The men that stood on deck, in gale force winds, while others slept, had every faith that William Cantrell Ashley would bring them safely home, along with all rescued survivors - and rightly so.
No worthy cause, charity or school has been refused our help and we hope never will. However, despite our best efforts, running costs continue to mount and so we can always use, and need, as much help as we can get.
Towards this end, during 2002 an independent support group was set up.
SCARBOROUGH MARINE HERITAGE SOCIETY
A society dedicated to the preservation of Historic and Classic Lifeboats
and the 'William Cantrell Ashley,' was selected as their initial objective.
You can join this organisation and through your valued membership play a vital part in this preservation scheme and at the same time enjoy the privileges offered to members.
FREE TRIPS. A REPLICA MODEL OF THE BOAT. ACCESS TO THE BOAT AND CREW. HIRE THE BOAT, BRING A PARTY OF FRIENDS AND BE COXSWAIN FOR THE DAY (Trip). RECEIVE ONGOING REPORTS AND UPDATES and much more.
This beautifully restored and lovingly maintained historic and classic Lifeboat will only survive through your generosity. Once gone it can never be replaced and will be lost forever.
Please don't let this happen when you can so easily help prevent it.
Company, Corporate and Private Sponsorship plays an important part in our activities and is very welcome. Contact us and let us fly your status symbol and entertain your staff, guests and customers, both present and potential. Your Company flag and logo would look good flying from our mast-head.
