BOATING PEOPLE

28 BOATING Q&A w th A een Jones the rst e a e e oat rew e er to re e e an RNLI e a o a antr .

Aileen Jones awarded the Bronze medal for gallantry for a rescue she took part in on 24 August 2004. Image: RNLI/Derek King

Te s how o rst ot nto oat n . My parents have always had some kind of sailing boat and my mum sailed while pregnant with me. They mostly had sailing dinghies and then in later life progressed to larger yachts and powerboats. I did a bit of dinghy sailing and generally hung around the harbour messing around with my dad’s and Sea Cadets’ boats.

Image: Steve Jones

here are o stat one an wh o rst o n the RNLI? I am stationed at Porthcawl on the South Wales coast. I first joined because of my brother-in-law, as he was on the crew and there was absolutely nothing else I wanted to do more. I loved the buzz of a shout and could not wait to join. It took longer than expected but it worked out for the best in the end joining after having my children.

n o were the rst wo an n ears an the rst e a e rew e er to re e e an e a . an o te s a o t the res e o were n o e w th It was a windy force 8 summer morning in August 2004 when I heard on my VHF radio from the skipper of the Gower Pride that he had suffered engine failure. He was drifting towards the Nash Sandbank and he also had an injured crew member on board.

I was the first helm at the station and immediately got changed while waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive. We launched and headed towards the sandbank, realising quite quickly that the conditions were not favourable for us to cross the bank as we

would normally do, and this meant we had to take the long way going around the East Nash Buoy.

We could see the Gower Pride as we were heading towards the buoy - he was drifting close to the bank - and we made best speed to his position. As we rounded the buoy the conditions were very rough, which would make a tow to Porthcawl difficult and we decided to ask for assistance from our flank station at Mumbles.

While this was put into action we carried on to the Gower Pride’s precarious position. It was rolling quite badly and it was difficult to be able to put a crew member on board.

We managed to throw a tow line and hoped the skipper would be able to attach it in such awful conditions. He scrambled up to his bow and got some turns around his cleat and we started towing him away from the sandbank, but unfortunately the tow parted.

We went back and this time I decided that we really needed a crew member on board, so with some difficult maneuvering and a bump on the head to one of my crew from a dan buoy (he was fine), we managed to get our lifeboat crew member, Simon, on the boat to reattach the tow.

With some difficulty Simon managed to clamber his way to the bow and get a tow on successfully, and we slowly towed the boat safely away from the bank. Now Simon was on board he was also able to assess the condition of the injured crew of the Gower Pride and provide casualty care.

We carried on towing the Gower Pride back to Porthcawl until The Mumbles lifeboat was able to take over and get the boat back to Porthcawl before the tide left the harbour.

hat o o o e a o t e n n o e w th the RNLI? I love the camaraderie and the banter. I have been involved now a fair few years and most of the crew were children hanging around the station when I first started, so that is weird! I love the buzz of a shout, but most of all I love the fact that I am doing something for my local community. I have been part of the lifeboat family all of my adult life and most of my childhood, and I cannot think of a better place to be.

hat are the ost o on a o ts o re e e Our call-outs are varied from people getting cut off by the tide at the bottom of the cliffs at Southerndown, surfers getting caught in a rip current, broken down vessels, missing persons, jet skis, windsurfers and kitesurfers to open water swimmers and animal rescues.

hat s the ost an ero s s t at on o ha e o n o rse n on a a o t Obviously, the shout I had my medal for was quite a rough day but with the adrenalin running I had to manage the situation. I generally used to get quite scared when the seas were large and there were high winds.

In 1994 the station moved from a D class to an Atlantic 21 with no water ballast, and when that went over a large wave with the wind on the bow it would flutter and I was doubtful on occasions whether it would come back down the right way or go bow over stern. They were the early days of the Atlantic inshore lifeboats and all of us crew were cutting our teeth on them and we had a lot to learn.

These days, with the newer boats, we have water ballast and the boat does not fly off the waves as much, thank goodness.

As we as the e a o were one o the RNLI’s rst e a e he s one o the rst e a e a n h n a thor t es an the rst e a e rew e er at orth aw e oat tat on. hat wo o sa to other wo en th nk n o o n n the RNLI? I would say that hopefully circumstances are much better for women these days, not just in the RNLI, but generally. If your goal is to become a member of a lifeboat crew then go for it; I am sure the crew will welcome you with open arms.

You will have the occasional comment, usually from a member of the public, such as “wow you drive that tractor” or “wow you drive the lifeboat” to which I just smile and say “yes I do”. From my fellow crew, I have only had encouragement, friendship and respect.

ALL AT SEA NOVEMBER 2020 Congratulations on your MBE (awarded in 2016). What was it like to receive it and to meet Prince William? I was overwhelmed when I received the letter informing me of my MBE. It was a great day and we had a wonderful weekend away as a family, something we had not done in a while.

It was amazing meeting Prince William. He made me feel very relaxed, just as if I was with one of the crew from the station having a bit of banter. It is a shame I had to wear heels and a dress though; the curtsy was a bit dodgy on the exit! He will make a fab king one day.

The RNLI rea s a a a a r or you. How did you recruit your husband and children? Well, because I could not get on the crew initially, I pushed my husband to join. This kept me involved until I could get my foot in the door, so to speak. Then once I was in, we were flying.

The children spent most of their childhood at the station (they did not have much choice) and grew up around the crew and their children. It was a great environment for them and they made new friends outside of school.

Eventually Frances, our daughter, was 17 and joined straight away. Things were not always harmonious on the boat when we were together – you can imagine a teenage daughter being told what to do by her mother. We learnt very quickly not to go out on shouts with each other unless it was necessary. Frances was on the crew for a couple of years and then left Porthcawl to attend university.

My husband, Stephen, then retired from the crew and became a DLA (Deputy Launching Authority). Dan, my son, was now 17 and at long last was able to join the crew alongside my two nephews and me. Eventually my time came to retire and I fell into my current role as DLA. Dan, along with his cousins, are still on the crew.

How does it feel to be included in the book Surviving The Storms – all about remarkable RNLI rescues? It is an honour to be included in this wonderful book. There are so many amazing people who have carried out some courageous rescues and its humbling to be part of it. To be able to share our experiences at sea and hopefully encourage future generations to become involved is a privilege. Boating may be considered an expensive and exclusive hobby, but that is truly not the case. There are many ways to get out on the water that will not break the bank, and the best way to start is by joining a yacht or motorboat club and offering your services as crew. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY With so many opportunities to get out on the water to have your first There are many around the UK, and RYA course is a great place to start. RYA Start Motor Cruising and Helmsman or RYA Start Yachting and Competent Crew courses are taught by qualified instructors and are perfect for getting to grips with the basics. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Although it can be pricey to buy a brand new boat, there are plenty of used boats available at all sizes and for every budget.

Aileen Jones, a volunteer at Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station, was presented with her MBE by Prince William. Image: RNLI We have heard you love operating the launching tractor. Tell us something else people might not know about you! Yep I love driving that Tallus tractor, but I like the little Tooltrack too. I guess I love to hear those comments about a woman driving such a big machine.

My husband and I have a small cabin cruiser which we use whenever we can, the only trouble is I am a bit of a helm hog so Stephen does not get a chance to skipper – he is my crew. He says he makes me look good when we get safely back to our mooring. I smile and say ‘yes of course you do’. I do not know how he thinks I manage when I go out on my own and still manage to get it back on the mooring by myself.

Stephen has been a great support all through my lifeboat career and has had to put up with some horrendous meals because of it! Joking aside, I would not be where I am today without him. By the way, the horrendous meals bit is true. My cooking skills are always good for a laugh at the station, especially the strawberry and pineapple crumble…

Image: RNLI

To order a copy ofSurviving the Storms (£14.99) visit books.harpercollins.co.uk/surviving-the-storms

EXPERTS’ FORUM WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN STARTING OUT IN BOATING

Each month, All at Sea invites a leading marine industry expert to share their opinion together with their top tips to help you get the most from your boating.

You could get in touch with boatpoint, a boat sales arm of boatfolk Marinas, which is an international specialist in the sale of brokerage and new boats and provides an extensive list of vessels

PHIL JONES, CONWY MARINA ASSISTANT MANAGER, HAS ADVICE FOR ANYONE THINKING OF TAKING TO THE WATER FOR THE FIRST TIME.

If you love the great outdoors and relish a challenge, then boating may be for you. Whether it is sailing or motorboating, there are few pastimes that provide the freedom and opportunities that being out on the water offer. Enjoy a relaxing cruise, stop to go fishing or venture further afield. Boating offers a lifetime of discovery.

Boating is not really a hobby, it is a way of life. It gives you the freedom to see the world from a different perspective. It is an exciting and relaxing activity in equal parts, and I would recommend it to anyone who has not tried it yet.

experience, the great thing is you can choose to be as hands-on as you want to be.

If you are just starting out and not sure about boat ownership, then joining a club or association is a great option. most will offer you the chance to get out on the water with other experienced club members.

If you think sailing is for you, a yacht charter holiday abroad is a great way to find out. There are plenty of established and accredited companies providing charters throughout the UK and Mediterranean that are ideal for complete novices, whether it is a sailing trip with your own skipper on board or joining a flotilla holiday suitable for beginners and families of all ages.

The more skills you have, the more you will be able to explore, so taking an

available throughout the UK and Europe. LOCATION IS KEY Berthing your boat is also a key factor to consider and varies considerably based on location, marina facilities and size of vessel. Location is one of the most important aspects when considering a marina. Think about what you want depending on the type of boating you do, your lifestyle or amount of time you have for boating and commuting to the marina.

“Boating is not really a hobby, it is a way of life.”

Team Alvimedica visited Newcastle for an intensive two-day course in sea and fire survival. Image: Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica There are boats available to suit all budgets

As a boating enthusiast, the one you choose will play a huge part in your life, but there are plenty of marina and mooring options to think about. boatfolk, for example, operates 11 marinas in stunning locations around the UK coastline, each offering something unique to discover and enjoy.

BUYING TIPS So, you have made the decision to buy your first boat. Follow the advice from other first-time buyers and established yacht brokers to avoid the pitfalls. Making sure you use a reputable and professional yacht broker will ease the process from your initial offer and contract through to completion. The only thing left to do is get afloat and enjoy all that boating has to offer.

For a comprehensive range of new and used boats visit boatpoint.co.uk or browse their listings at networkyachtbrokers.co.uk.