Bangor was the busiest coastal lifeboat station in Northern Ireland, launching to 45 requests for help and bringing 45 people to safety. Portrush in Co Antrim launched 44 times and assisted 32 people. Enniskillen, which operates bases on Upper and Lower Lough Erne and is Northern Ireland’s only inland RNLI station, launched 52 times and brought 46 people to safety.

This weekend the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2012 at Alexandra Palace, London, will play host to over 200 exhibitors from sailing clubs, classes and associations to commercial businesses who will fill the exhibition halls with everything you need to get started or improve your sailing.

If it is new kit you’re in search of then pay a visit to Crewsaver (D12), who will be showcasing their brand new collection of dinghy clothing and equipment including buoyancy aids, drysuits, spray tops, luggage and a brand new range of technical dinghy footwear. Drop by the Banks Sails stand (B11) for a range of sails, trapeze harnesses and dinghy covers in PVC and cotton polyester.

For all those visitors interested in new boats, check out one of the many class associations who will be proudly exhibiting their latest models, such as the British Moth Class (CF3) with a brand new British Moth from John Claridge, or the Cornish Crabbers (C11) who are displaying the new Cornish Crabber 12 which premiered at the beginning of the year.

From 1st April 2012 any private pleasure craft user found using red diesel outside Home Waters will be breaking European law. This will restrict craft to within the UK's 12 mile territorial limit from that date.

HMRC said in a statement: 'The measure provides that red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft can only be used in UK waters. All purchasers of red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft will be required to sign a declaration to that effect. All purchasers will be made aware that if they travel outside UK waters they will be subject to the restrictions and prohibitions of other Member States.'

During the Games each house will host around eight athletes and have all facilities except a kitchen. Athletes will eat in a temporary dining hall which will be constructed on the site and have a social area in the new Chesil Cove Foundation School, which LOCOG will take temporary ownership of in May.