The Atlantic 75 Inshore Lifeboat was introduced in 1992, and is based on the Atlantic 21. It is a rigid inflatable boat (a vee hull with inflatable tubes instead of rigid topsides). It has two 70 HP (horse power) engines, so (s)he is the fastest rescue boat in the R.N.L.I fleet, at 32 knots. The GRP hull cuts through the waves, making the ride much smoother and safer than many other designs. The sponson is made of a hypalon-coated nylon tube, and there is a self-righting bag on the rolling bar in case of capsize.
For those of you who will never have the opportunity to drive it: it is amazing. Especially when the weather is rough and you feel an instinctual urge to pray. I will never forget that day...