Southend-on-Sea, May 2, 1986: on a brilliant day, with bunting splashing colour across the blue skies, Princess Anne came to Southend-on-Sea to name a new lifeboat after a local hero. She met and talked to station officials, crew members and their families and was presented with a bouquet by a heart-stealing three-year-old, Kirstie Legourne. The Princess met the widow and son of Percy Garon after whom the new lifeboat, like its predecessor, is named.

Mr Garon MC, GM was one of the few Southend men to be decorated in both World Wars and was a member of Southend RNLI branch from 1934 until his death in 1979, holding the position of honorary secretary for many years.

In his speech, Mr Raymond Baxter, a member of the Committee of Management, said how appropriate it was that Princess Anne should name the Atlantic 21 'the only class of RNLI lifeboat controlled from what can only be described as a saddle, complete with stirrups, into which the feet are inserted—heels well down, of course—not only to ensure staying on board over the bigger jumps, but also to facilitate responsive control of immense power and outstandingly well bred performance, however demanding the course or the going.' Princess Anne replied that she had been disappointed when she was told that she would not have time for a trip on board the lifeboat and, having seen it, even more so. She then named the lifeboat Percy Garon II amidst cheers from the crowd and a cacophony of hoots, whistles and toots from the Thames barges, Sheerness lifeboat and other craft moored nearby.

photograph by courtesy of Studio 77, Southend..