The Arun class is the most numerous of the RNLI's all-weather lifeboats.

Designed to lie afloat on a mooring 46 boats were built between 1971 and 1990 for use in every Division.

Although some changes were made to the design during its life the essentials remained unchanged until the need for even greater speed led to the development of the Trent and Severn classes.

Aruns are mainly glassfibre, although the first three are of wood and another was built experimentally of steel. All but one are still in service.

This is Weymouth's Arun, Tony Vandervell, one of five built with a rounded stern which increased their length from 52ft to 54ft, demonstrating her 18-knot operational speed in Weymouth Bay. Photo Stephen Hooper.