from page 19 modern lifeboat engines, so that they will continue to operate normally after a capsize. Access is by watertight hatches and ample ventilation trunks keep the engine room unusually cool; these trunks go right down to the bottom of the engine room so that, were boat capsized, their open ends would be above the inverted waterline.

The outdrives can be tilted manually with a quick, lever action, so that the boat can be beached safely, and as well the normal power assisted hydraulically operated steering gear an emergency tiller designed by the Cowes staff has also been provided.

Launching The RNLI Medina 35 is intended, eventually, to be capable of launching from a slipway or a carriage, as well as to lie afloat; for the time being, however, she will lie afloat because a suitable carriage or trolley for her 7 ton weight has yet to be developed.

At sea The RNLI Medina 35 prototype is at present undergoing sea trials and the good performance this new boat is showing is very encouraging. She has already run trials in winds up to strong gale, force 9, with very rough seas, and even in these conditions her hull has proved to be exceptionally dry, no green water and little spray coming aboard. She drives into the sea well, her long bow cutting through the crests of waves before they can take charge and lift her. At speed, beam on to heavy breaking seas she is extremely stable, riding along level, without rolling, while the seas roll away under her.

When running, her bow lifts well on the back of a sea, her weight, as intended, being taken by her rigid hull rather than by her sponson. Stopped in rough water the Medina, with her great beam of 14 feet, becomes a very stable working platform.

So a good start has been made, although there is still a considerable way to go before the first Medina 35 will enter service. She represents a new advance in the means of saving life at sea and, being a pioneer, will be given exhaustive operational trials before a boat is sent to her station..