Famous RIBs

[Nasher]

Whilst chatting to George at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth yesterday he was explaining their policy of displaying interesting old boats of all types, and trying to source specific boats with a history.

They have realised the importance of RIBs in recent boating history, and are considering giving over some display space to them.

I of course suggested that an iconic early RIB of a particular type would be a 4M searider, but he was more interested in any specific individual boats with a famous history that they may be able to attempt to track down.

I couldn’t think of any particular boat off the top of my head except Alan Ps RIB that is still floating around in the North Atlantic somewhere, and that’s quite recent.
I’ve since remembered the Volvo Penta outboard powered Flatacraft Force4 that was taken across from London to Amsterdam under its own power by some mad bloke and his girlfriend in the 70’s, but I can’t think of any other specific RIBs. There must be some old race boats hanging about with a history, and I’m aware that there have been some trips around Cape Horn etc.

I can pass any suggestions on to the Museum for consideration.

Thanks

Nasher.

[PeterM]

Thats a very good question and I cant think of any specific boats that fit the bill. I guess the most generic one is the Atlantic boats used by the RNLI - but these are not a one off boat.

[Louise]

Spirit of Portsmouth/Phoenix, the 7.5m RIB which Alan Priddy and team first took across the Atlantic used to be sitting in Drivers boatyard and may well still be there. And our own great Mr Kennett is another previous owner of the boat! Not sure who owns it now though.

Not sure if Enda O'Coineen's 'rubber dinghy' (quoted from the book) is still in existence and if it is, it would probably be difficult to track down.

Bear Grylls' RIB which he took across the Atlantic a few years ago would probably be easier to find.

With regards to racing RIBs, Mike Deacon's Hot Lemons, I'd have thought, are quite famous. Also Cookee's Bananashark race boat and Drew Langdon's Buzzi Bullett.

You could try getting in touch with Neil McGrigor and team, who used Zap Cats and Flying Inflatable Boats in their successful ascent of the Nile which resulted in them locating the source of the Nile for the very first time.

IIRC, I think Sunrider and Arek Pawelek (both members on here) may be able to help you with other RIB exploits around the world.

That's a few to get you started, anyway!

[JSP]

Going slightly off topic;
There is (or maybe was) an old wooden boat that was used as the first ever survey boat. It did the first "modern" survey of the menie straights. Next time you see your friend will you ask if it would be of interest? I could soon track down the owner if it's still forsale.

[Louise]

As well as being quite a well known race boat, the current Hot Lemon also holds 2 World Records: Round Britain (under 30') and Southern Isles.

Chris Strickland's Seahound also holds 2 World Records: Round British Isles and London - Monte Carlo.

[The Garfish]

Originally Posted by JSP

Going slightly off topic

nott alowd. jus cuz yoov gott a dojjy tikker downt meen yew cann taik de fkin libberties

i noe a famus bote. itts corld bloo lice orr sumfink

itts famus forr rorin orl rownd de sowlint wiv a babby bungy strapt too a jokky seet wiv a madd owld bint dryvin hoo finks de throttul iz a fkin onn orf swich

garF

[chewy]

The first Atlantic 21 would be a good one, it was stationed at Hartlepool to start off.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by chewy

The first Atlantic 21 would be a good one, it was stationed at Hartlepool to start off.

Are you sure it was not at Atlantic College?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Nasher

Whilst chatting to George at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth

George? Who T F is George?

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by Mollers

George? Who T F is George?

Sorry Mollers, you probably only know him as Mr Hogg

From their website;-
Captain G A Hogg RN Rtd
George has strong Cornish roots as his great grandfather was a shipbuilder at Feock. He now lives near Padstow. He has been the Hon Curator of the Cornwall Maritime Museum Falmouth since 1993.


Nasher.

[chewy]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Are you sure it was not at Atlantic College?

Yep, the first Atlantic 21 was stationed at Hartlepool. It might have been the first production one, but it was definately Hartlepool that got the first that went into service.

[Pete7]

Chris Kaye had a Delta 6x called Sabre Drive. He was one of the early pioneers for long distance rib cruising.

Alans Spirit of Portsmouth later JKs Pheonix was stored in Drivers and looking very sad for itself.

Pete

[Doug Stormforce]

Originally Posted by Nasher

and trying to source specific boats with a history.

They have realised the importance of RIBs in recent boating history, and are considering giving over some display space to them.

Nash I kind of agree if you looking for something historical then you want one of the first Sea Riders, Flatacraft or Atlantics (before the RNLI got involved with them). These boat started things off. If you could get an old R&D version or protyatype/development boat even better.