Nick Holt

One day, whilst sailing solo back from France in a pretty lumpy sea, my boat got tangled in a discarded fishing net. Fortunately, I was able to deal with the problem myself, but I had considered calling the coastguard, and it got me thinking that perhaps I might have some skills that could be developed to help others. I soon found myself at St Catherine Lifeboat Station asking if they were looking for crew! Going through training and passing the formal assessment to gain full crew status has been an incredibly challenging and rewarding journey. I've never known such camaraderie - the team are so welcoming and are all eager to help new recruits. The RNLI has a 200+ year history of being the best and it delivers the best boats, the best equipment, the best possible training. It also delivers the most amazing opportunities. Being part of such a professional organisation, and getting to forge friendships with such a variety of people from so many walks of life, each bringing something unique to the service, really is a privilege. My first shout was to a boat very similar to my own - a French yacht, at night, suffering with both engine and electrical problems, perilously close to rocks, and all on a falling tide! I'd practiced the skills needed on exercise but putting them to use for real, to get the vessel, along with it's tired and anxious crew away from danger and safely place them all onto a secure visitor mooring - that was such a good feeling.