A 33FT BREDE class lifeboat, 33-02, is now at Oban undergoing station evaluation trials.

The Brede is a new type of lifeboat based on a commercial GRP hull. As a result of initial development work her wheelhouse has been extended to provide the buoyancy necessary to give her an inherent self-righting capability; it also allows good access to her engines as virtually the whole of the wheelhouse floor, formed of hatches, can be lifted up. The coxswain's position is on the centreline, with good all-round vision.

Her twin Caterpillar 3208 NA diesel engines, developing 210 bhp at 2,800 rpm, give the lifeboat a maximum speed of more than 19 knots and a range of 125 nautical miles. On her early trials she has shown herself to be a seakindly boat. She was built by Lochin Marine of Rye and normally carries a crew of four.

33-02 will be named Ann Ritchie and is the gift of Mrs J. B. Ritchie who has already donated the 37ft Oakley James Ball Ritchie stationed at Ramsey and the 54ft Arun The Gough Ritchie stationed at Port St Mary, Isle of Man.

The Brede class lifeboat was introduced to meet an operational requirement for a boat between the rigid inflatable Atlantic 21 class and the larger lifeboats. During her evaluation period at Oban she will operate with arbitrary limitations on launches in severe weather while her capabilities are being assessed..