Procession of Sail in memory of those who died in the Penlee Lifeboat disaster
The Penzance lifeboat station will also be holding a memorial open day on Bank Holiday Monday
Last updated 30th Aug 2021
A Procession of Sail is taking place to remember of victims of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster.
The Solomon Browne and her crew were lost at sea on the 19th of December 1981.
They had rushed to the aid of stricken coaster the Union Star in hurricane-force storms.
Now the RNLI lifeboat station is holding a memorial open day to commemorate the 40th anniversary.
At sea, a flotilla of old Watson-class lifeboats and local boats will lay a wreath on Monday afternoon (30th August).
On land, the RNLI lifeboat station will be open from 11am with the chance to go on board the boat and meet the current crew.
Patch Harvey, Coxswain of the Penlee RNLI lifeboat says: "After a long 18 months or more, we’re really looking forward to seeing people and giving them the opportunity to learn more about the history of Penlee RNLI and how the current volunteer crew train and operate to be able to save lives at sea.
"It seems especially important to be able to share the day with our supporters and friends as this year marks 40 years since the disaster and we wanted to give people the opportunity to join us in remembering and celebrating the lives and courage of the eight crew members who were tragically lost that night, along with the crew of the coaster, the Union Star.
"It will be an honour to be joined by a flotilla of old Watson class lifeboats, for the Procession of Sail. The Solomon Browne was a Watson class. These wooden lifeboats were built in the 1960’s and will have saved countless lives over many years of service.
"We’d love for any boat or vessel in the area to join in the Procession of Sail from Newlyn Harbour to the old lifeboat house. Starting at 4pm, operational requirements withstanding, we hope to be joined by our flank stations The Lizard and Sennen Cove".
Programme of Events
Penlee Lifeboat Station Open Day: Open Day visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the station’s history, go aboard the station’s all-weather lifeboat, meet the crew and other volunteers and enjoy a variety of stalls including refreshments, locally made cake and a souvenir or two.
The Culdrose Military Wives Choir and folk band Silvington will provide live music throughout the day.
There will be limited assessable parking in the harbour car park. Open day visitors are encouraged to park in the Sandy Cove car park on the way to Mousehole and walk down to the station. Signs will direct visitors.
The open day will take place at Newlyn Harbour, Penzance, TR18 5HW between 11am and 3pm.
Procession of Sail: Penlee’s lifeboats, a flotilla of old Watson class lifeboats and lifeboats from Sennen Cove and The Lizard will lead the procession to the old lifeboat station at Penlee Point, where a wreath will be laid in memory of the crew of the Solomon Browne and the Union Star. The procession will take place between 4pm and 5pm.
Those on land will be able to line the pavements to watch the Procession of Sail and the laying of the wreath from the road going out of Newlyn towards Mousehole.
Blessing of the Lifeboats: Both Penlee lifeboats will be blessed in Newlyn Harbour, taking place between 6pm and 7pm.
Reverend Yvonne Hobson will lead the annual blessing of the lifeboats in Newlyn Harbour to bring the day to a close with the Mousehole Male Voice Choir leading the singing.