IN 1951 life-boats went out to the help of yachts 120 times. That figure includes sailing dinghies, sailing boats, motor cruisers and motor yachts. It is nearly a quarter of the total of launches for the year, which was 567.

From those vachts life-boats rescued 108 lives. Four of the rescues were marked by special danger and gal- lantry and medals were awarded.

The total of medals for the year was eight, so that half were won for rescues from yachts. Life-boats also saved, or helped to save, thirty of the yachts..