Name The Always Ready

THE ALWAYS READY (ON 766) is a Liverpool class lifeboat built in 1933 by J Samuel White, Cowes, Isle of Wight. She is of double diagonal construction, mahogany on oak.  She was built as the lifeboat for Runswick, North Yorkshire, and operated there from 1933 to 1953, saving a total of 17 lives.  In February 1934, the as yet unnamed lifeboat launched to the aid of the steamship DISPERSER, which had started to sink whilst under tow in gale force conditions. Seven of the eight crew were rescued, but while trying to rescue the eighth, the coxswain Robert Patton was crushed between the lifeboat and the ship, later dying in hospital. His widow received the RNLI's highest honour, the RNLI Gold Medal, for his gallantry.  Originally due to be named THE ALWAYS READY, the new lifeboat was named ROBERT PATTON THE ALWAYS READY by The Princess Royal at the official naming ceremony on 20th September 1934. 

Sold out of service in 1954, she was converted into a pilot boat at Kimber's yard at Highbridge, and became the pilot boat for the port of Sharpness, being renamed ALASKA and serving until 1974.  

After several owners and being used as a houseboat on the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, she was bought by her present owner, a marine surveyor, in 2007.  A major restoration of the vessel was then carried out at RW Davis & Son, Saul Junction.  The existing cabin and wheelhouse were removed and the owner started again with just a bare hull and the original shelter. She has since been used as a private vessel and is regularly seen around south west waters. She currently has a Ford 80HP engine. 

Update, September 2026: Vessel for sale.