At 8.58 a.m. on ist August, 1966, it was felt that, in view of the deteriorating weather conditions, a small yacht was likely to find herself in difficulties in Rye bay. The life-boat crew assembled and stood by. At the request of the coastguard the life-boat Fairlight was launched at 9.23 in a gale force west south westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was three hours before high water. She found the yacht Waterbaby in shoal water to the leeward of Rye harbour entrance. The casualty had made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the harbour. The life-boat, having towed her into the harbour, returned to her station at 12.50..