Fowey names new RNLI lifeboat Spirit of Daisy

A son’s promise to his late mother came full circle on Fowey Town Quay this weekend, when the boat that carries her name was blessed, christened and sent out across the harbour for the very first time.

On Saturday 25 July, more than 100 invited guests and crowds of onlookers gathered on the quay for the Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication of Fowey’s new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Spirit of Daisy. The day started early for the crew and Fowey lifeboat volunteers, who turned the Town Quay into an RNLI event space. As the crowds arrived there was a real sense of anticipation, and a reminder of how much the local community values Fowey lifeboat station. At 3pm, with crew and volunteers smart in their RNLI apparel, guests joined them in singing the National Anthem as the ceremony got under way.

📷Ceremony on Fowey Town Quay - Credit: Mike Parlett

A boat named for a mother

Adam Luck, Chair of the Fowey Lifeboat Management Group, opened proceedings with a welcome. The donor of the new lifeboat, Alan Jackson, was there with his wife Annette and several members of their family. Alan took to the stage to officially hand Spirit of Daisy into the care of the RNLI, a very personal and heartfelt moment. The lifeboat is named after his late mother, Daisy, who first introduced Alan to the RNLI and who died at the age of 95.

Spirit of Daisy was accepted on behalf of the RNLI by Carolyn Greene, the charity’s Chief People Officer.

“Ever since 1859 successive generations of lifeboat crews in Fowey have been keeping these waters safe,” Carolyn said. “During this time, Fowey has launched on service 1,829 times and saved 301 lives. That is a remarkable number of people who have been reunited with their families thanks to the selflessness, kindness and courage of Fowey lifeboat crew. 301 people who have gone on to live their lives, have a career, a family and potentially grandchildren, which may apply to some of us here today.”

She went on to explain what the new boat means for the station. “This B class lifeboat, built at our Inshore Lifeboat Centre on the Isle of Wight, will ensure Fowey’s lifesaving heritage continues. The B class is perfectly suited to this part of the coastline, and alongside its sister inshore lifeboat, the D class (with Olive Three also on service here at Fowey), responds to the most rescues and saves the most lives each year in the RNLI fleet. Since going on service earlier this year, Spirit of Daisy has already launched on service 11 times and aided 18 people.”

Carolyn also thanked the family directly. “We are indebted to Alan and Annette who have so generously funded this lifeboat. The RNLI couldn’t do its lifesaving work without people like you. And what a wonderful way to remember your mother Alan. I have no doubt Daisy would have been extremely proud to see this lifeboat named today, in her honour.”

Paul Gamble, Fowey Lifeboat Operations Manager, then accepted the lifeboat on behalf of Fowey Lifeboat Station.

📷Credit: Mike Parlett

A service by the water

The Service of Dedication was led by Fowey’s vicar, the Revd Shona Hoad. It was a moving part of the day, with music from Lostwithiel Town Band accompanying three hymns, Eternal Father Strong to Save, I Vow to Thee my Country and Home from the Sea. A prayer of dedication, the Lifeboat prayer and an excerpt from Wind in the Willows all gave the service real emotional depth. After a rousing rendition of Home from the Sea, Shona closed with a blessing.

Alan and Annette then formally named the lifeboat, an emotional moment as the memory of Alan’s mother was invoked once more. Crew members Amelia Luck and Ros Jezard delivered a vote of thanks to everyone who had helped make the occasion so fitting and memorable, acknowledging the community spirit, generosity and teamwork behind the day. They thanked Alan and Annette and presented them with a photo of the lifeboat signed by all the crew.

Champagne, cheers and a first launch

Throughout the ceremony, Spirit of Daisy had been moored on Town Quay alongside Fowey’s D class and Falmouth’s Atlantic 85 lifeboats. The final act was to christen the new boat with a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne. Alan poured it over the bow, to cheers from the crowd.

The crew then launched her, along with Fowey’s D class lifeboat, for a display in Fowey harbour that delighted the watching crowds. It was a fitting end to a historic and very moving day, and the start of the new lifeboat’s lifesaving voyage. Invited guests were treated to refreshments courtesy of the King of Prussia.

📷Fowey's Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Spirit of Daisy' - Credit: Nigel Millward

The story behind the name

Daisy passed away aged 95, and it was she who first introduced Alan to the RNLI. As a teenager, Alan started boating in Beer in East Devon, in a 13ft Durafloat dinghy with an outboard engine, and progressed into sailing dinghies. His mother worried about his safety on the open sea. One of the local fishermen would keep an eye on Alan, which comforted her. To repay his help, Daisy would raise money for the RNLI, collecting in their local town of Solihull during Lifeboat appeals.

📷Crew member Amelia presents Alan and Annette Jackson with signed photo - Credit: Mike Parlett