Ramsey’s new Shannon-class lifeboat, the Ann and James Ritchie II has arrived.

The town’s RNLI said the state-of-the-art vessel was welcomed by ’an enthusiastic crowd [who] turned out in blustery and chilly conditions’.

Replacing the old boat, the Mersey class lifeboat Ruby Clery which was also previously at Peel, the £2.2 million, jet powered Shannon is faster, more manoeuvrable and equipped with more modern technology.

It is the second of its kind to be stationed in the island, after Peel’s Frank And Brenda Winter, which became operational in October.

Ramsey coxswain Mark Kenyon MBE was accompanied by mechanic Tom Edwards and crew members Jason Colley, Edd Saunders and Michelle Stewardson to bring the boat home for the first time.

Mr Kenyon said: ’It has been an honour to be able to bring this fantastic new lifesaving asset to the island and the whole crew look forward to her being brought into full service in a few weeks time.’

Kevin Christian MBE, lifeboat operations manager for Ramsey, added: ’I was very pleased to see the Ann and James Ritchie II come into Ramsey Bay.

’This follows the tremendous efforts of a great number of people within the RNLI and the community which will allow the volunteer crew at Ramsey continue to save lives at sea.

’Since the arrival of the new and innovative Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) early in the new year our crew have undertaken training both locally and in Poole and this will continue.’

The boat’s abilities were on display in Ramsey bay, such as it being able to use its water jets to turn in its own length, navigate around hazards and stop almost instantly.

Among the new technology is enhanced crew safety measures, such as shock-absorbing seats protect them from wave impact and an improved Systems and Information Management System allows them to operate and monitor the lifeboat’s functions from the safety of their seats.

The crew will now undergo intense training on it, learning new and adapting existing techniques.

A formal naming ceremony and service of dedication will take place in early summer.

This Sunday Douglas RNLI will be holding a memorial to the institution’s founder, Sir William Hillary.

Postponed in January, it will now be taking place at 3pm in St George’s Church.