Bernard Matthews II
The Dutch built Valentijn, which slashed response times by more than half, replaced The Bernard Matthews lifeboat, which had been going to the rescue of seafarers off the coast of Great Yarmouth for 12 years.
The Valentijn cost just over £450,000. Coxswain Paul Willams put the boat through its paces during three days of trials in Holland. He said: "The handling capability during the sea tests was superb, everything I asked it to do it did. "At one stage I had 50 people on board and the boat still remained very stable."
The Bernard Matthews II uses steerable water jets from twin engines instead of propellers and rudders, so as well as its speed it will also have the advantage of being more manoeuvrable. By 2005, all lifeboats had to be capable of doing speeds of 27 knots. As the Bernard Matthews could only get up to 16 knots, the lifeboat crew and committee decided to move and opt for a 10-ton jet-propelled boat that can travel up to speeds of 37 knots.
Watch the naming Ceremony with Prince Charles.
| Bernard Matthews II Specifications | |
| Operational Number | 37-01 |
| Call Sign | MDUD6 |
| Year of build | 2004 |
| Yard of build | Habbeké Shipyard, Volendam |
| Technical Data | |
| Classification | All Weather Lifeboat |
| Propultion | 2 x Hamilton Waterjets |
| Launch Method | Carriage/afloat |
| Selfrighting | Yes |
| Selfrighting Type | Inherent |
| Hull Type | Planning |
| Hull & Superstructure Material | Aluminium |
| Length | 11,00 m |
| Beam | 4,10 m |
| Draught | 0,75 m |
| Displacement | 10 ton |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Engines | 2 x 450 hp Volvo Penta |
| Endurance | 6 hours |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.270 litres |
| Survivor Capacity | 50 |
| Crew | 4 |