At a time when many people are exchanging New Year wishes, what would your message to our volunteer crews be?

As part of an appeal to raise funds for two new Shannon class lifeboats and launching equipment, supporters are sending messages to lifeboat crew members. They have already included: 'Amazing people, amazing organisation, and we've needed you this year,' and 'I am not a sailor but support you simply because I admire you dedication and bravery. Good luck in 2013 and always.'

To send your message of support, visit RNLI.org/message.

The Shannon class is designed to replace the 17-knot Mersey class lifeboats, which are launched by carriage. At 25 knots, this faster and more capable class of lifeboat is expected to save over 1,500 lives, and operational trials are due to be completed in the Spring.

Dungeness is due to be the first lifeboat station to receive a Shannon class lifeboat, with other stations to include Exmouth, Hoylake, Ilfracombe, Llandudno, Lowestoft, Montrose, Scarborough, Skegness, Selsey, St Ives and Swanage.

To build future Shannon class lifeboats – and to maintain existing lifeboats as efficiently as possible – work is starting on a new all-weather lifeboat construction and maintenance facility at our Poole Headquarters. See page 4 for more.