crew acquitted themselves with distinction in spite of the fact that two of the members were in their 50s. Rowing an unfamiliar type of craft known as a Monamoy, they won their heat against a formidable crew representing the US National Maritime Union. In the final they came second, being beaten only by a highly trained young crew representing the Seafarers International Union. A crew from Queen Elizabeth II came third.

The crew were accommodated by the festival authorities. The visit was designed to promote the efforts of the Association for the Rescue at Sea in raising funds towards the provision of a new lifeboat for the RNLI.

The day before they left for New York the Mumbles crew attended a reception held in aid of the American/ British Lifeboat Appeal in the Tower of London, which raised more than £1,300.

Exhibition Director retires A man who has served the RNLI well in his capacity as Exhibition Director for National Boat Shows, Alan Jones, has retired. Ever since the first National Boat Show was held in London the organisers have given the RNLI free space for exhibiting either a lifeboat or putting up a stand, and Alan Jones himself has helped the RNLI in innumerable ways. In 1973 the RNLI awarded him a statuette for outstanding services in the field of public relations.

We wish him well in his retirement..