The Arancia-class inshore rescue craft is a class of small inflatable rescue boat (IRB) operated by, among others, Surf Lifesaving Great Britain, Surf Life Saving Association of Wales and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Arancia inshore rescue craft originates from New Zealand where it is made by Arancia Industries Ltd. The Arancia surf rescue craft is also used in Surf Rescue competitions to demonstrate the high speed rescue skills of boat crews around the world. When in use it carries up to two crew and is primarily used for surf lifesaving duties.
Other small boats operated by the RNLI include the X-class lifeboat, XP-class lifeboat and Y-class lifeboat. The RNLI have placed the Arancia at some lifeboat stations to supplement the Atlantic 85.
Two stations in Wales, and , now have these as permanent resources after a trial period.
All of the following fleet details are referenced to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society Handbook, published annually, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.
Arancia fleet Op. No. Name Station CommentsA-10 2003 (Trials) 2010–2011 Boarding boat () 2012–2014 Boarding boat () A-17 Boarding boat () A-31 2016–2020 2021 A-48 Margaret and Bruce 2011–2012 A-67Malcolm Hawkesford I 2013–2025 2025– PublicityA-68 2013–2017 Boarding boat () 2017– Relief fleet A-70 2009–2010 A-73 2010–2011 2011–2012 2013–2015 Boarding boat () 2015– Relief fleet A-76 Margaret and Nantw 2011– A-77Kingfisher 2012–2020 2020– Relief fleet Wren 2012–
References
External links RNLI Fleet RNLI Beach Lifeguards - RNLI Beach Rescue Arancia Industries - The manufacturer of the Arancia Inflatables Surf Life Saving Great Britain Britains Surf Life Saving Organisation