Atlantic 85-class lifeboat

Atlantic 85 B-805 on exercise in Bangor
Class overview
NameAtlantic 85
BuildersInshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes
OperatorsRoyal National Lifeboat Institution
Preceded byAtlantic 75
Cost£320,000
In service2005–
In commission2006–
Completed144
General characteristics
Class & typeB-class Atlantic 85
Displacement1.8 tonnes
Length8.44 m (27.7 ft)
Beam2.85 m (9.4 ft)
Draught0.53 m (1.7 ft)
Propulsion
  • 2 × Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines, 115 hp (86 kW)
  • 210 litres fuel
Speed35 knots (40 mph; 65 km/h)
Endurance2.5 hours
Capacity24
Complement4

The Atlantic 85 is a third-generation B-class rigid inflatable boat (RIB) inshore lifeboat. It is operated around the shores of the British Isles and the Channel Islands by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). It was developed from the Atlantic 21 and the later Atlantic 75. It entered service in 2005, and gradually replaced the Atlantic 75.

The Atlantic design of the B-class of lifeboats is named after Atlantic College, where the design was developed.[1]

Design

The hull is made of a fibre-reinforced composite, consisting of a carbon fibre and foam core laminate with an epoxy glass and foam sandwich layup. The tubes are Hypalon.

The boat is powered by twin 115 hp (86 kW) Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines that have been inversion-proofed to ensure the engines are still operational after a capsize.

Like previous RIBs, it has a manually operated self-righting mechanism that deploys an airbag mounted atop the A-frame. It can be beached in an emergency without damage to engines or steering gear. The Atlantic 85 is fitted with radar and VHF direction finding equipment and can be operated safely in daylight in a force 6/7 wind and at night in a force 5/6.[2]

The Atlantic 85 has intercom communications between the crew and VHF radio via their helmets. The lifeboat is also equipped with the RNLI's SIMS (ship information & management system) which provides the crew with combined chartplotter and AIS, radar and VHF directional finding capability. It carries searchlights, handheld night-vision equipment and illuminating paraflares for night-time operations, as well as casualty care equipment.

To ensure equipment is kept to a high standard of repair, boats go through annual or bi-annual overhauls, and 4-year refits.[3]

All of the following fleet details are referenced to the 2026 Lifeboat Enthusiast Society Handbook, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.[4]

  • A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805
    A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805
  • Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008
    Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008
  • Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010
    Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010
  • Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
    Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
  • Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
    Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011
  • Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017
    Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017

RNLI Atlantic-85 fleet

B-800 – B-899

Op. No.[a]Name In service[4]Station Comments
  • B-800
  • B-PO2
Unnamed– – Prototype
B-801 The Drayton Manor
  • 2004–2006
  • 2006
  • 2006
  • 2006–2014
  • 2014–2017
  • 2017–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • Trials
  • Relief fleet
  • Tower
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-802 Chelsea Flower Show
  • 2006–2015
  • 2015–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet (B-802C)
B-803 William Hurst
  • 2006–2019
  • 2020–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet (B-803C)
B-804 Lydia Macdonald2006–2022 Macduff
B-804 The Jillian Scott: Spirit of the West Wight V2024– Freshwater (Ind.)
B-805 Jessie Hillyard2006–2024 Bangor
B-806
  • Mudeford Servant
  • (Civil Service No. 48)
2006–2024 Mudeford
B-807 Mary Lewis
  • 2006–2017
  • 2017–2024
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-808 Donald McLauchlan2006–2025 Walmer
B-809 The Two Annes
  • 2006–2024
  • 2026–
Sold, in service with Bote Salvavidas de Valparaiso, Chile, Jan 2026
B-810 Tabbycat
  • 2006–2008
  • 2008–2012
  • 2012–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • 2023–
B-811 Hylton Burdon
  • 2007–2022
  • 2023–
B-812 Frank William Walton2006– Kilkeel
B-813 Muriel and Leslie2006–2025 Port Erin
B-814 Sheila Stenhouse2006– Kirkcudbright
B-815 Peterborough Beer Festival III
  • 2006–2021
  • 2021–2022
  • 2022–2024
B-816 David Page
  • 2007–2022
  • 2022–2024
B-817 Wolseley2007–2024 SunderlandSold 2024, to Iceland ICE-SAR
B-818 The Oddfellows2007– Sheringham
B-819 Minnie and Ernest George Barry2007– Lough Swilly
B-820 Elizabeth Jane Palmer2007– Flamborough
B-821 Gladys Mildred2007–2023 Newquay
B-822 Spirit of Friendship2007–2023 AberystwythSold 2024, to Iceland ICE-SAR
B-823 Doris Joan2007–2023 Criccieth
B-823 Spirit of Hornsea2024– Hornsea Inshore Rescue
B-824 Richard and Elizabeth Deaves2007–2023 MineheadDonated 2025, to Royal Montserrat Police Service
B-825 Norma Ethel Vinall
  • 2008–2020
  • 2020–2022
  • 2022–
  • Relief fleet
  • Dart
  • Training fleet
B-826
  • Sgt. Bob Martin
  • (Civil Service No. 50)
2008– Poole
B-827 Olive Laura Deare II2008– Gravesend
B-828 Elaine and Don Wilkinson2008– Silloth
B-829 Derrick Battle2009– Hayling Island
B-830 Douglas Murray
  • 2008–2021
  • 2021–2023
  • 2024–
B-831 Joy Morris MBE2009– St Bees
B-832 Rose of The Shires2009– Porthcawl
B-833 Blue Peter V2009– Portaferry
B-834 William Henry Liddington 2009– Bundoran
B-835 Martin Harvey
  • 2009–2024
  • 2024–2025
  • 2025–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
B-836 Tommy Niven2009– Kinghorn
B-837
  • Charles Dibdin
  • (Civil Service No.51)
2009– New Brighton
B-838 Annette Mary Liddington2010– Beaumaris
B-839 Maureen Lillian2010– Penarth
B-840 Harold Bains
  • 2010–2022
  • 2022–2023
  • 2023–
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-841 Eric W Wilson2010– St Catherine
B-842 Hello Herbie2010–2015 Rye Harbour
B-843 Geoffrey Charles2010– Red Bay
B-844 Edith Louise Eastwick2010– Kilrush
B-845 James Dugdale
  • 2010–2015
  • 2015–2021
  • 2021–2025
  • 2025–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
  • Fowey
B-846 Norma T2010– Portsmouth
B-847 Hereford Endeavour2010– Trearddur Bay
B-848 Spirit of West Norfolk2011– Hunstanton
B-849 Tony and Robert Britt2011– Burnham-on-Crouch
B-850 Edna May
  • 2011–2024
  • 2024–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
B-851 Jimmie Cairncross2012– Queensferry
B-852 Random Harvest2011– Brighton
B-853 Binny2011– Galway
B-854 R.A.Wilson2011– Largs
B-855 Eric C Guest
  • 2011–2016
  • 2016–2020
  • 2020
  • 2020–2022
  • 2022–
B-856 Spirit of Fred. Olsen2011– Kyle of Lochalsh
B-857 Spirit of Loch Fyne2012– Lyme Regis
B-858 Leicester Challenge III2012– Redcar
B-859 Sheena Louise2012– Cowes
B-860 Max Walls2012– Calshot
B-861 Glanely2012– Appledore
B-862 James and Helen Mason2012– Tighnabruaich
B-863 David Porter MPS
  • 2012–2025
  • 2025–
B-864 Richard Wake Burdon2012– Newbiggin
B-865 Malcolm and Mona Bennett-Williams
  • 2012–2022
  • 2022–2024
  • 2024–
  • Relief fleet
  • Training fleet
  • Relief fleet
B-866 Louis Simson2013– Skerries
B-867 William and Eleanor2013– Blackpool
B-868 Annie Tranmer 2013– Southwold
B-869 Joyce King2013– Clifden
B-870 John and Louisa Fisher
  • 2013–2021
  • 2021–2025
  • 2025–
B-871 Albatross2013– Cardigan
B-872 Toby Rundle2014– Clovelly
B-873 Robert and Isobel Mowat2014– Kessock
B-874 Robert Armstrong2014– Helvick Head
B-875 Alexander
  • 2014–2015
  • 2015–2017
  • 2018–2023
  • 2023–
B-876 Rachael Hedderwick2014– Arran (Lamlash)
B-877 Lewisco2014– Whitstable
B-878 Claire and David Delves2014– Ramsgate
B-879 Just George2014– West Mersea
B-880 Martin Frederick Whitehouse2014– Relief fleet
B-881 Solihull2015– Hartlepool
B-882 David Bradley2015– Lymington
B-883 Roy Snewin2015– Relief fleet
B-884 My Lady Anne2015– Portishead
B-885 Julia & Angus Wright2016– Southend-on-Sea
B-886 Peter and Ann Setten2015– Abersoch
B-887 Jacqueline Saville2015– Mablethorpe
B-888 Sheila & Dennis Tongue2015– Sligo Bay
B-889 Elizabeth and Maraget Milligan
  • 2015–2019
  • 2019–2024
  • 2024–
B-890 Gordon and Phil2016– Youghal
B-891 Renée Sherman2016– Littlehampton
B-892 John and Janet2016– Crosshaven
B-893 Mollie and Ivor Dent2016– Penlee
B-894 Sheila & Dennis Tongue II2016– Looe
B-895 Irene Cornford2016– Relief fleet
B-896 Hugh Miles2016– Aberdovey
B-897 Sheila & Dennis Tongue III2016– Staithes and Runswick
B-898 Susan Margaret Forsbrey2017– Relief fleet
B-899 Howard Bell
  • 2017–2023
  • 2024–2025
  • 2025–
[5]

B-900 – B-999

Op. No.[a]Name In service[4]Station[b]Comments
B-900Hello Herbie II2017– Rye Harbour
B-901 Enid Foster MBE2017– Relief fleet
B-902 Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV2018– Loch Ness
B-903 Angus and Muriel Mackay2017– Helensburgh
B-904 Douglas, Euan and Kay Richards2017– Carrybridge
B-905 Gladys Hilda Mustoe2018– Salcombe
B-906 Charles Lucock2018– Relief Fleet
B-907 Tierney Harvey & Sonny Reid2018– Harwich
B-908 Annabel E. Jones2018– Plymouth
B-909
  • Miss Sally Anne (Baggy) II
  • Never Fear, Baggy's Here
2018– Kinsale[6]
B-910 Rita Daphne Smyth2018– Baltimore
B-911 Jean Spier2019– Lough Derg
B-912 John and Jean Lewis2018– Enniskillen
B-913 Pride of Fred. Olsen
  • 2019
  • 2019
  • 2019–2020
  • 2020–2021
  • 2021–2024
[7]
B-914 Doris Day and Brian2019– Burnham-on-Sea
B-915 The Missus Barrie2019– Burry Port
B-916 Robina Nixon Chard2019– Falmouth
B-917 Jack & Phyl Cleare2021– Weymouth
B-918 Ted Dawber2019– Relief Fleet
B-919 Jamie Hunter2019– Stonehaven
B-920 Tara Scougall2019– Lough Ree
B-921 Vivacious Atlantic2019– Relief Fleet
B-922 Jean McIvor2020– Littlestone-on-Sea
B-923 Patricia Southall2021– Blyth
B-924 Christine and Raymond Fielding2021– Union Hall
B-925 John Rowntree2021– Gt. Yarmouth & Gorleston
B-926 Julie Poole2021– Relief fleet
B-927 Dylan Rotchell
  • 2021–2023
  • 2023–2025
  • 2025–
B-928 Marjorie Shepherd2021– Filey
B-929 Paul and Stella Rowsell2021– Relief fleet
B-930 Colonel Stock2022– Margate
B-931 Frank C Samworth2022– Dart[8]
B-932 Pamela Rosemary Dashwood2022– Relief fleet
B-933 Skipasund2022– Macduff[9]
B-934 The Spirit of St Helier2022– St Helier[10]
B-935 Daddy's Girl2022– Cullercoats
B-936 Uncle Johnny2023– Newquay[11]
B-937 Florence and Ernest Bowles2023– Aberystwyth
B-938 Frank Townley2023– Criccieth
B-939 Penny J II2023– Minehead[12]
B-940 Penny J2024– Berwick-upon-Tweed
B-941 Sam and Freda Parkinson2024– Relief fleet
B-942 Loving You2025– Cleethorpes
B-943 Harold Hobbs2024– St Peter Port[13]
B-944 Ruby Robinson2024– Bangor[14]
B-945 SeaGil2024– Sunderland
B-946 Spirit of Cooperation2024– Relief fleet
B-947 Claude and Kath2024– Teignmouth[15]
B-948 Herietta H2024– Mudeford[16]
B-949 Ralph2025– Aldeburgh[5]
B-950 Hounslow Branch2025– Walmer[17]
B-951 Neil Crowe2025– Port Erin[18]
B-952 George D Dowtbc (Kirkcudbright)
B-953 Oddfellows - Making Friends, Helping Peopletbc (Sheringham)
B-954 June Marshall2025– Arbroath[19]
B-955 Berylium2025– Newcastle
B-956 Spirit of Daisytbc (Fowey)
B-957 tbc (Ilfracombe) In production
B-958 tbc (Lough Swilly) In production
B-959 tbc (Flamborough) In production
B-960 tbc (Relief fleet)
B-961 tbc (Poole)
B-962 tbc
B-963 tbc (Silloth)
B-964 tbc (Hayling Island)
B-964 tbc (St Bees)
  1. ^ abOp. No. is the RNLI's operational number of the boat
  2. ^(Brackets) used to signify that a boat is assigned to a specific station, but isn't yet at that location.

See also

References

  1. ^"B class Atlantic lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  2. ^"Atlantic 85 Details". RNLI. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
  3. ^"Inshore Lifeboat Centre - Repairs and overhauls". RNLI.org. RNLI. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  4. ^ abcLeonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2026). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2026. Lifeboats Enthusiasts Society. pp. 65–68.
  5. ^ ab"Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat delivered" (Press release). RNLI. 3 February 2025.
  6. ^"Kinsale RNLI names new lifeboat in memory of donor, 'godmother' and friend". RNLI. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
  7. ^"Fred. Olsen guests fund and name new RNLI lifeboat" (Press release). RNLI.
  8. ^Haines, Emma (21 May 2023). "Dart RNLI volunteers officially name their new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  9. ^"Skipasund Lifeboat Arrives in Macduff". The Skipasund Foundation. Skipasund Foundation. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  10. ^"Jersey's RNLI takes delivery of new lifeboat – and it is immediately called into action". Jersey Evening Post. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  11. ^"Newquay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew welcomes brand new B-Class lifeboat". RNLI. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  12. ^"Lifeboat named and revamped RNLI station officially opened in Minehead". West Somerset Free Press. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  13. ^"New Guernsey RNLI lifeboat honours volunteer killed in WW2". BBC. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  14. ^McAloon, Nuala (26 June 2024). "New Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat goes on service at Bangor RNLI". RNLI. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  15. ^Furlong, Amy (13 November 2024). "Teignmouth RNLI receive new Atlantic 85 lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  16. ^King, Robert (5 December 2024). "New lifeboat for Mudeford RNLI". RNLI. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  17. ^"New lifeboat for Walmer RNLI". RNLI. 1 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  18. ^Beesley, Niki (24 June 2025). "New Atlantic 85 class lifeboat arrives at Port Erin RNLI". RNLI. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  19. ^Macnamara, Martin (29 October 2025). "Arbroath RNLI welcome their new Atlantic 85 lifeboat". RNLI. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
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