A crew of RNLI experts from the UK have been in Peel to test the specialist launch system for the town’s new Shannon-class lifeboat, the Frank and Brenda Winter.

The Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) is a track-driven tractor designed for fast launches. Peel’s launcher is pictured being tested with a lifeboat from the RNLI’s UK relief fleet.

An RNLI spokesperson explained that these launch systems are generally used in areas with low, flat beaches, and how not many places have such a steep slipway like Peel’s.

The balance of the setup was tested on the slipway, which has recently undergone refurbishments to broaden it.

The Frank and Brenda Winter was first delivered to Peel last March, but due to Covid border restrictions the lifeboat became stuck in Fleetwood where it had been undergoing routine maintenance, and has only returned to Peel earlier this month.