Exercise becomes service to three A training exercise became operational experience for the crew of the new relief Atlantic 21 at Cullercoats on 1 May 1991, earning the station a Letter of Thanks from the Director.Cullercoats' relief Atlantic 21 lifeboat was on exercise in Whitley Bay one mile north of the station when Tyne Tees Coastguard contacted the crew to inform them a windsurfer was in difficulties near to the south side of Tyne harbour entrance.

The lifeboat had launched into a northerly Force 5 to 6 with sea conditions slight in the harbour, but with a 10ft swell at sea. The exercise was part of the working up of the new Atlantic 21.

At 1810, the lifeboat proceeded towards Tyne harbour at full speed, arriving at the casualty at 1815 to find the windsurfer clinging to his board. The wind was still northerly but gusting to Force 7 and the northerly swell was entering the harbour.

With determination and quick handling of throttles and steering wheel, the helmsman positioned the lifeboat between the pier and the windsurfer. On the first attempt the two crewmen hauled him in over the port side.A 14ft aluminium 'rescueboat', with a Seagull outboard and paddle, had apparently attempted help. Instead, she had been washed up an oblique wall and capsized. Her two crew were trying to restart the outboard.

The lifeboat quickly came alongside the rescue boat and towed the craft and occupants to the north side of the harbour and all three survivors were landed safely. The lifeboat returned to recover the board and sail.

This service was carried out in daylight in difficult conditions with a northerly sea and one hour after spring ebb..