New Charity Forming to Preserve National Historic Lifeboat in Cornwall

A new charitable organisation is being formed to preserve a unique piece of British maritime history: the historic 1951 RNLI lifeboat, Sarah Townsend Porritt (ON886).

The project has been operating as Saving Our Sarah CIC since May 2022 and is now in the final stages of converting into a full charity, to be named The Sarah Townsend Porritt Maritime Trust. Sarah, a 46ft 9in Watson-class lifeboat, is a decorated hero of the RNLI fleet. During a distinguished 27-year career stationed at Lytham St Annes in Lancashire, her volunteer crews launched 95 times, saved 43 lives and were awarded two RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry.

The new charity’s mission is to preserve Sarah and use her as a flagship for a new community and educational hub in Falmouth. A key focus for the project is building momentum towards Sarah’s 75th Anniversary in 2026, which will be a major community celebration.

Chris Freer, the project’s founder, explained the vision: “Our goal is to honour her incredible past by giving her a new life of service on shore.”

The charity’s long-term vision is built on three core pillars:

  • The Educational Hub: To provide apprenticeships in traditional boatbuilding skills.
  • The Community & Wellbeing Hub: To run a ‘Calm Waters’ programme supporting local mental health.
  • The Restoration Workshop: The future home for Sarah’s preservation.

The project has already attracted significant support, including endorsements from local political leaders and respected maritime experts.

 

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