Cemaes Lifeboat, the Charles Henry Ashley.
A team of dedicated local enthusiasts now maintain and sail the vessel. Membership of the Cemaes Boat Club is open to those who wish to share the enjoyment of this historic lifeboat. For further information, contact the Club Membership Secretary (Laura Downs on 01407 710315). On designated sailing days, visitors can, by taking up temporary membership, qualify to join the crew for a sail or row in Cemaes Bay. She is also available for sail/rowing training and as a film and advertising set. Contact the Boat Club Secretary for details. (Please be aware that availability is totally weather dependent and the Coxswain of the day makes the final decisions)
The boat is not fitted with an engine, so faithfully reproduces the authentic practice of the early 20th century, being propelled from the harbour under oars and then hoisting her sails in open water. She is rigged with a jib, a dipping lug mainsail, and a dipping lugsail on the mizzen mast. These days, this is an unusual rig which can prove to be difficult to master. However, she may be old, but in a breeze of wind she slips along at a very respectable speed and provides a rewarding sailing experience as can be appreciated in the video clip below. There is always a core crew of trained sailors, with safety as their prime consideration, so novices are welcome.
Cemaes Lifeboat, the Charles Henry Ashley.
A team of dedicated local enthusiasts now maintain and sail the vessel. Membership of the Cemaes Boat Club is open to those who wish to share the enjoyment of this historic lifeboat. For further information, contact the Club Membership Secretary (Laura Downs on 01407 710315). On designated sailing days, visitors can, by taking up temporary membership, qualify to join the crew for a sail or row in Cemaes Bay. She is also available for sail/rowing training and as a film and advertising set. Contact the Boat Club Secretary for details. (Please be aware that availability is totally weather dependent and the Coxswain of the day makes the final decisions)
The boat is not fitted with an engine, so faithfully reproduces the authentic practice of the early 20th century, being propelled from the harbour under oars and then hoisting her sails in open water. She is rigged with a jib, a dipping lug mainsail, and a dipping lugsail on the mizzen mast. These days, this is an unusual rig which can prove to be difficult to master. However, she may be old, but in a breeze of wind she slips along at a very respectable speed and provides a rewarding sailing experience as can be appreciated in the video clip below. There is always a core crew of trained sailors, with safety as their prime consideration, so novices are welcome.