The North West Passage - who was first? I am most concerned to read in The Lifeboat that David Scott- Cowper in the ex-lifeboat Mabel E. Holland carried out the first single handed navigation of the 2,000 mile North West Passage.

My understanding is that in 1977 Willy De Roos achieved this under sail in one season, and for this he received a Krug Award for Excellence.

His Arctic voyage was subsequently prolonged to make a complete anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the American continent, via Cape Horn, a voyage completed in the summer of 1979. This voyage in the yacht Williwaw, a 13m steel ketch, is the subject of a book called North West Passage, originally written in French but translated into English by Bruce Penman and it has Rear Admiral G.S. Ritchie, Hydrographer of the Navy 1966- 71 writing the foreword.

I believe the Norwegian explorer Amundsen was the first successful explorer to transit the North West Passage with a 50 tonne fishing boat, taking three years and finally reaching the Pacific in 1906. The next time was in the 1940's - Sergeant Larsen of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in St Roche, a specially built twomasted schooner with auxiliary engine, not only repeated Amundsen's success but also made the passage from west to east.

Willy De Roos may have struck a lucky year enabling him to make the voyage from the Atlantic to the Pacific without having to winter in the Arctic but he did do an enormous amount of preparation and historical reading beforehand for his planning of the voyage so that he was able to snatch opportunities whenever they came.

I do not wish in any way to take away anything from David Scott-Cowper's incredible achievement but I do feel that one should ensure as far as possible that reports are written correctly. Having had the pleasure of meeting Willy De Roos several years ago he made a great impression on me and although little is publicised about his achievements, it is a shame that they are not better known.

H. Gosling Wheathampstead, Herts Pride of membership I became a Shoreline member last year. Although I was unemployed I paid my subscription as I knew the money would be put to good use.

It was only when I started to receive my magazine that I realised just how courageous the lifeboat crews are.

The articles show the bravery, skill and commitment that is needed by each of the lifeboat crews.

I find the magazine very interesting and am very proud to be a member.

Miss C Williams Cardiff, South Wales Help on a plate! May I through The Lifeboat thank any readers who responded to my letter in the Spring 1991 issue concerning the breakage of a plate in the 'Heroes of the Sea' series to whom I have not replied personally.

At the last count I have had 15 responses to my letter from readers, many recommending the Bradford Exchange (not infrequently including envelopes addressed to the Exchange and in one case a completed order form), one offering to obtain the plate from a local charity shop and three writers offering a copy of the plate for sale.

One of the sellers was Nairn ladies' guild, who had been given the plate to sell for the guild's funds, and this was the one I bought at the Bradford Exchange price.

Once again my set is now complete and I am very grateful to all those who took the trouble and interest to write to me. Gordon Whitehead Copt Hewick, Near Ripon.

Other prayers of the sea We have been sent a copy of the special prayer approved by the Archbishop of Canterbury for use at ceremonies in connection with the RNLI and printed in your Winter issue. Clearly this meets a felt need for which nothing previously composed was quite appropriate.

We should like to call the attention of your readers, if we may, to the Forms of Prayer to be Used at Sea in the Book of Common Prayer - still the standard authorised prayer book for the Church of England, which include prayers before or during a storm and thanksgiving for safety and deliverance, as well as the very beautiful collect which begins 'Prevent us, 0 Lord, in all our doings', in which the word 'prevent' is used in its old original sense of 'go before us' .

These prayers will be found in the prayer book immediately after the psalms. Though originally composed for use in the Royal Navy there is no reason why anyone may not use them, who would find them helpful.

The Prayer Book Society Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AL To a good home After the super article on my lucky win, and desire to find a good retirement home for my 33-year-old A35 in the Spring 1991 issue of The Lifeboat, I was delighted to receive so many lovely letters from readers interested in taking over care of my dear little car.

I have replied to all, and would like to report that I have negotiated a suitable figure with Christina Littler and Bob Haddon of Birmingham who will take possession before the end of May.

They seem delighted and although so far we have only had telephone contact, I feel sure they will be able to drive their 'new' acquisition for many years to come.

Thank you again for all your congratulations, good wishes and interest, and I do feel that my lucky win in the 25p raffle will stimulate RNLI funds - after all if I can win, so can anyone! Miss Daphne Knights Purley, Surrey The Lifeboat welcomes reader's letters on any subject connected with the lifeboat service. Write to: The Editor, The Lifeboat, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH151HZ.

Please mark your letter clearly if it is intended for publication.