Historic Lifeboat Trust Launches Education Partnership with Kennall Vale School

Could This 1950s Lifeboat Change Cornwall’s Classrooms?

The historic lifeboat Sarah Townsend Porritt has taken on a new role in Cornwall as The Sarah Townsend Porritt Maritime Trust launches an education partnership with Kennall Vale School.

A link to Cornwall’s maritime story

The Trust, which is transitioning from Saving Our Sarah CIC to Charitable Incorporated Organisation status, is the custodian of the 1951 RNLI lifeboat Sarah Townsend Porritt (ON886). The vessel is one of only two surviving Watson-class lifeboats of her type.

Built in 1951, she served at Lytham St Annes Lifeboat Station until 1976. During that time she launched 95 times and saved 43 lives. She is also registered with National Historic Ships UK.

Bringing lifeboat history into the classroom

The new partnership will give pupils at Kennall Vale School the chance to learn about lifeboat history, rescue work, and the community values linked to sea-going service. Lessons will include creative writing, artwork and maritime storytelling inspired by the lifeboat’s past.

The work will lead to a children’s book, Sarah’s Story, planned for publication in 2026.

Chris Freer, Founder and Trustee of the Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Kennall Vale School on this wonderful project. It’s vital that the next generation understands not just the engineering of these vessels, but the bravery and community spirit they represent. This partnership celebrates both.”

Part of a wider mission

The education link supports the Trust’s wider work to restore Sarah Townsend Porritt and create an educational Restoration Hub focused on heritage, craftsmanship and community learning.

About the Trust

The Sarah Townsend Porritt Maritime Trust is a charitable organisation (CIO pending registration) focused on preserving and restoring the 1951 RNLI lifeboat Sarah Townsend Porritt. Its work promotes heritage education, community engagement and maritime skills development to help the vessel continue inspiring future generations.