The Atlantic 85 is one of the new generation of RNLI B-class Atlantic inshore lifeboats, first developed by the RNLI from a design originated at Atlantic College, South Wales.
The hull is made from a carbon fibre and foam core laminate that minimises the internal structure whilst maintaining overall stiffness. The foam is a very tough material that has the ability to absorb and recover from high impact loads such as pounding through waves at speed.
With a crew of four, and two inversion-proof 115hp petrol engines, the lifeboat is capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots, and is fitted with a manually operated righting system which, combined with her inversion proofed engines, allows her to remain operational even after capsize.
At Sunderland the boat is launched from a 6m man-riding davit which lifts the boat from the boathouse into the water.
Equipped with the latest in electronic equipment including radar, a chart plotter and VHF radio direction finding equipment, she has an endurance of 2.5 hours.
