One cat twice HM COASTGUARD informed Coxswain Thomas Cocking of St Ives lifeboat station at noon on Saturday August 16, 1980, that a small catamaran being sailed singlehanded had capsized two miles east of the station. Coxswain Cocking made the assembly signal for the D class inflatable lifeboat and informed the honorary secretary.

Within minutes the inflatable lifeboat Lion Cub I was launched, manned by Helmsman Eric Ward and Crew Members Philip Allen and Simon Oliver.

It was a cloudy day, but fine and clear, with a fresh to strong breeze, force 5 to 6, blowing from the south and a moderate sea. It was three hours after high water.

Coming alongside the catamaran at 1206 the lifeboatmen helped to right her and then, as the wind was freshening, Helmsman Ward suggested that one of his crew members should help to sail her home. The singlehanded sailor at first thought this would not be necessary, but after he had capsized twice more, at 1212 and 1215, Crew Member Oliver joined him on board. Even with a crew of two the catamaran capsized twice more before she reached the safety of St Ives Harbour at 1235. The inflatable lifeboat was rehoused by 1245.

A fortnight later, on Saturday August 30, the same catamaran, out sailing with a crew of three, was dismasted two miles north east of St Ives station.

A moderate to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, was blowing on shore from the west and the sea was rough with a heavy ground swell; the tide was in the first hour of the flood, just after springs.

The D class inflatable lifeboat was launched at 1651 with William Bunn as helmsman for the first time; his crew were Simon Oliver and Anthony Carter.

The station's 37ft Oakley lifeboat Frank Pen/old Marshall was put on stand by.

By the time the inflatable lifeboat reached the casualty nine minutes later the dismasted catamaran had been carried within 50 yards of Hevah Rock, an area of heavy overfalls. The mast and sails were lashed on and the boat taken in tow by 1720. Ten minutes later two of the catamaran's crew were taken aboard the inflatable lifeboat. Then, a few minutes later it was reported that the tow was not making headway in the heavy ground swell but was beingswept by the tide towards Godrevy Island.

The hydrofoil Yizdiz Bez was by this time standing by and Frank Penfold Marshall, the 37ft Oakley lifeboat, was launched. However, by 1755 the inflatable lifeboat with her tow had managed to get clear of the main flooding tidal stream and was making progress towards harbour. Yizbiz Bez was released and the tow was escorted in by Frank Penfold Marshall; by 1824 the inflatable lifeboat had brought the catamaran safely to harbour.

For this service a letter of appreciation signed by Rear Admiral W. J.

Graham, director of the Institution, was sent to Helmsman William Bunn..