0:00:03 > 0:00:05Stretching from Land's End to Dover,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09this is the busiest seaway in the world.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14And come hell or high water...
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Three, two, one, firing!
0:00:18 > 0:00:21No training can ever prepare you for what we faced that night.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24..it is open for business 365 days a year.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Over 90% of the world's trade
0:00:27 > 0:00:30travels by sea. It is not just TVs and refrigerators,
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- it is everything around us. - Teeming with every type of vessel...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Everyone reckons their job is hardest.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38..and a rich diversity of wildlife.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47It's kept safe by those who patrol its seaways...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Try and hang onto the boat!
0:00:49 > 0:00:51..their actions standing between triumph...
0:00:51 > 0:00:53CHEERING
0:00:53 > 0:00:54..and disaster...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Ease off, ease off!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00..on the unpredictable waters of the English Channel.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Today, RNLI volunteers come to the rescue of some stranded mariners.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- Just the two of you on board?- Yeah. - All OK, apart from
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- the electrical failure?- Yes.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19The coldest race in the yachting calendar gets underway.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- Sorry, Hugh? Ready. Got that boat..? - Yes, it's clear.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Just going round.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34And pets get caught up in the half-term rush across the Channel.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36DOG GROWLS
0:01:36 > 0:01:39These are just such wonderful things.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42We didn't think it would be this busy.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51The English Channel's busy and narrow shipping lanes,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53unpredictable weather and shifting sandbanks
0:01:53 > 0:01:57means its waters are no stranger to accidents and emergencies.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Hello, can you hear me? - Established in 1824,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07the RNLI is on the front line of saving lives at sea...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13..with more than 4,600 volunteers
0:02:13 > 0:02:16crewing an active fleet of over 340 lifeboats.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27This is Shoreham, in Sussex, nestled in the heart of the South Coast.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Most of the time, Don Huxley develops websites
0:02:31 > 0:02:33for a digital agency in Brighton.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38He volunteered for the charity after moving his young family to Shoreham.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Every Sunday, the volunteer crew meets at the lifeboat station,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49to develop the skills they need to save lives at sea.
0:02:52 > 0:02:53Gloves.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Steve Smith is the Shoreham coxswain in charge of today's operation.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02OK, guys, as you all know, we've got a helicopter exercise today.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I'd like Chrissy and Simon to work the deck. Rob,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07I'd like you to work the radar and the nav.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11Um, Timmy, I'd like you to be the flag man, please.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14And Dom is the lucky person that is going up on the lift.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17The winchman will be coming down on the boat, Dom is going up.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Dom will then be coming down again and then the winchman will go up and
0:03:21 > 0:03:24that'll be the end of the exercise. Just a really quick exercise.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25All right. Everyone happy?
0:03:28 > 0:03:32One in ten of the RNLI's rescues in the English Channel involve
0:03:32 > 0:03:34joint operations with a helicopter.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Teamwork is crucial,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42with the RNLI volunteers working in tandem with the professionals
0:03:42 > 0:03:45on board the coastguard search and rescue helicopter.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52In 2013, the RNLI estimate
0:03:52 > 0:03:53325 lives were saved.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58And these operations often required winch assistance.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06So, RNLI crews often take part in winch-training exercises.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Back at the Shoreham RNLI base,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20an old hand gives Dom a word of advice.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25When you get to the top, don't even bother reaching out,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- turn, get hold of...- All right. Yeah.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31That'll do you there, Ray, if you can.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34With all systems checked,
0:04:34 > 0:04:35they are ready to launch.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38Could be a big splash.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54In a matter of seconds, 32 tonnes of lifeboat heads for the Channel.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57'Shoreham lifeboat, send a coastguard.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00'We should continue to monitor on zero. Over.'
0:05:01 > 0:05:04First chance to get winched up on to the helicopter today.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08So, quite exciting thing to do on a Sunday morning.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Usually I am sat at a desk, really, so not as much time outside
0:05:12 > 0:05:16as I would like. It is good to just get out, really.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Get out at sea.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20The weather is pretty perfect for it today.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23You couldn't ask for any calmer.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Dom and the team are now ready to rendezvous with the coastguard
0:05:33 > 0:05:36search and rescue helicopter.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Helicopter comes out of the Lee-on-the-Solent.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46It will make a couple of passes, it will essentially track the boat
0:05:46 > 0:05:50and then they will send their winchman down. I'm going to go up.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It is just like Top Gun, everything.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55My life is just like Top Gun.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02With the helicopter in position, the winchman makes his descent.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Not a necessity, but if we can get them lifted, I think it is
0:06:14 > 0:06:16a good thing to get the crew to do. It gives them an extra buzz.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Something you will never get tired of, being lifted by a helicopter.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Have you been winched before? - No, mate. OK.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- Keep your hands by your side. - OK.- Just relax.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29When you get to the cabin door,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- try and shuffle backwards, OK? - All right, cool.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37Dom gets to see close up just how careful everyone needs to be.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Working two sophisticated and powerful machines alongside
0:06:48 > 0:06:53a sea that is rising and falling is a precision manoeuvre.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56The helicopter is more stable when moving into the wind rather
0:06:56 > 0:06:58than hovering, so both vehicles must
0:06:58 > 0:07:01keep moving in the same direction.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Calling for expert flying...
0:07:04 > 0:07:06and boat handling skills.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I think it is probably easier for us to pull
0:07:08 > 0:07:11the boat in the direction they require and the speed they require.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13And hold it on that course.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I think the helicopter has probably got the hardest job.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26It's a successful lift off the boat,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29but landing back on deck is more risky.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Fantastic, yeah, a real buzz. I was trusting the winchman.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Easy up, easy down, it was great.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05You couldn't pick anything better to do, just for a training exercise.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09In terms of the commitment,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12you might miss the odd birthday party or miss the football,
0:08:12 > 0:08:14which is something particularly close to my heart.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Which always seems to happen.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21But it is probably more of an issue for family,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25when you have to rush out of the house in the middle of the night
0:08:25 > 0:08:26and leave the crying baby and stuff.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Doesn't make you massively popular,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31but it is all part of the deal, really.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37To be on the crew really gives me that connection...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40um, with the sea, that I wouldn't have otherwise.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Makes you feel a bit more part of the local community,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45living in Shoreham.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Yeah, it gets you down on the beach and out on the sea,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51and that's what it's all about, really.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Nearly 37 million passengers crossed
0:09:10 > 0:09:13the English Channel in 2014,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15with over half choosing the subterranean route.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21The Channel Tunnel dips underground in the busy port of Folkestone.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28It emerges on the French side 31 miles later,
0:09:28 > 0:09:29at Coquelles, near Calais.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36The UK Border Agency operates checkpoints here, to ensure
0:09:36 > 0:09:39everyone has the correct travel documents.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41But it's not just illegal immigrants that can get
0:09:41 > 0:09:43stopped at this important border.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50Since the introduction of pet passports in 2001, many passengers
0:09:50 > 0:09:54now bring their four-legged friends with them to the Continent.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00However, smooth passage comes with strict regulations, that can
0:10:00 > 0:10:02catch out the unprepared pet owner.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13At the Eurotunnel pet centre here, it's the end of the half-term break
0:10:13 > 0:10:15and they're expecting one of the busiest days of the year.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17'On a day like today,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20'we are probably carrying something like'
0:10:20 > 0:10:23600 pets and probably 10,000-plus vehicles,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25so we are going to have
0:10:25 > 0:10:28a lot of traffic on the site throughout the whole day.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Those who took their pets on holiday have to prove their animal
0:10:32 > 0:10:35is healthy before it can be let back into Britain.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38'The checks are straightforward. Every animal has a microchip
0:10:38 > 0:10:40'somewhere on their upper body.'
0:10:40 > 0:10:43That microchip links them to a passport.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48That passport then has the details of their rabies status,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50the last time they had their inoculation.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53And also, the last worming treatment they had.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00Pets staying abroad longer than five days need to be re-wormed,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03in order to get back into the UK.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Slav and his pet Ira were turned away yesterday for this reason.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Today, they have returned to see if they can travel.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16I had the worming done this morning.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Six o'clock in the morning.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22And I don't know, well, we'll see, I don't know what it looks like.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Let's see if she goes through.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- You are travelling with one dog?- Yes.- OK.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32So I need your pet passport and your booking, please.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Thank you.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- OK, so your dog name is Ira? - Ira, yes.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42OK, so you just need to go round the neck of your dog.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- No need to press anything. - OK. Ira. Stay.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Yes, that's fine.- OK, thank you.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53The microchipping was made in May. All right.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58- And then we are going to have to look at the worms treatment.- Yeah.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00OK, so...
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- The treatment was made today, this morning. Is that right?- Yeah.- OK.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08For the worms treatment, you need to
0:12:08 > 0:12:13wait 24 hours before travelling, at least, before travelling.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16In that case, it was on this morning at six o'clock.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- OK.- OK.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23He is part of the French Eurotunnel staff, who have to enforce
0:12:23 > 0:12:26the UK government legislation.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28The rules are very, very strict.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31And we are just enforcing these rules, actually.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34It is so complicated
0:12:34 > 0:12:37and I know it can be quite frustrating, actually.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41My injections are 97 euros.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45The hotel could be anything to 60 euros, 70.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Plus, loss of work.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53That's how it is. I am going to have to follow the rules, I suppose.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58Slav hopes he and Ira will get back to the UK tomorrow.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01In you come.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Sue Thorn and her prize-winning show dog are next to check-in.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- Right, so you want me to do his microchip?- Yes.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- No need to press anything. - OK. That's it.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17It's easy with him, because his is right there.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20My other dog's down under its armpits somewhere.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- So, everything is fine.- OK, great, thanks very much.- You are welcome.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Sue's pet has sailed through the medical checks,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29so it is time to get some exercise.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Come on, run with it, come on, run!
0:13:31 > 0:13:32That's my boy.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Good dog. Go on. Go on, off you go!
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Yeah, that's my boy! That's my boy!
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Whoa! Yes!
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Steady. Steady, steady, steady.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48That's my boy. Yes, I know. Ah, ah, ah!
0:13:48 > 0:13:49Steady.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Well, you still didn't catch it.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53SHE LAUGHS
0:13:53 > 0:13:55These people who travel with their pets,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I think they really like their pets.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- That's my boy.- 'It's like, for them,'
0:14:00 > 0:14:03they are like their kids.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05So.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08I use the tunnel because it is just so much easier with the dog.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11On the way out this time, I just got in the back with him, put the
0:14:11 > 0:14:15back up and read a book for half an hour and kept him company.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18obviously, if you are on a boat, you have to leave the dog down on the car deck.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22You have that worry, if anything happens, will you be able to go down and get to him, whereas,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I know when they evacuated Eurotunnel a while ago, everybody took
0:14:25 > 0:14:29their dogs with them, because nobody would leave their cars otherwise.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30SHE LAUGHS
0:14:30 > 0:14:34I live for nearly two years in England's and...
0:14:35 > 0:14:39I just... I was watching people with animals.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44I really think that they really do care about animals in England.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I think I've heard statistics that say that Brits have more dogs
0:14:47 > 0:14:52per head of population than probably the French do. And I think we do
0:14:52 > 0:14:55like to take our dogs with us, really, when we go on holiday, most of us.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Big dog, big poo.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Beats farting all the way to Folkestone.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03SHE LAUGHS
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Other British pet owners, like Chris Brain,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- have more sedate best friends. - That's it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10Robbie is a Norfolk terrier
0:15:10 > 0:15:14and accompanies his owner on business trips.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16We come backwards and forwards about six times a year,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20more if possible. But we've got a place in the Alps,
0:15:20 > 0:15:22so he is a regular visitor over there.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26We've got a holiday business and he's one of the team.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32'We've never had a problem here.'
0:15:32 > 0:15:35'Obviously, you've got to make sure your paperwork is in order.'
0:15:35 > 0:15:36Oui. Certainly can.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Depending on how many's in here and how big they are,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46you do get a few growls now and again and I often have to pick him up and go...
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Oh, great, thank you. Thanks.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Have a nice day.- Yes, and you, thanks a lot, thanks for your help.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Come on, Rob. Let's go. This way.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57Come on.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Don't think you can wee on the door.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Well, that was simple, all done, ready, off we go.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Right, say hello, Rob.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09HE LAUGHS If we can get Rob away from the other
0:16:09 > 0:16:11dogs, of course, that is.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15As the day goes on, the queues never let up,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19and it is frustrating for owners and their dogs.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22She's also providing entertainment for the people in the cars,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24so that is great.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Everybody is happy.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31In the pet control office, discipline is highly valued.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33OK, who is next?
0:16:33 > 0:16:37'Occasionally we get barking and handbags,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39I suppose you would call it, between dogs.'
0:16:39 > 0:16:41But...as a general rule,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44most people who are travelling with their pets have got their
0:16:44 > 0:16:47animals pretty well trained before they even think of leaving home.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Some of the owners have been driving for hundreds of miles to get
0:16:52 > 0:16:54to Calais.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Carmen has come all the way from Andorra
0:16:57 > 0:17:01but with her Great Dane Lola, still manages a matching outfit.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I think the British are a bit pet crazy.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Certainly more than the Spaniards, they are.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Although I am Spanish,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13I fit in more with the English mentality towards pets.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16And I like looking after my pets.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19I like taking her with us.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22For Carmen, Lola is all the protection she needs.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25I travel alone with two boys
0:17:25 > 0:17:29and she is a fantastic guardian.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32So, a guard dog, a good guard dog.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33Huge, a bit big.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36You need a big car with her.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42By dusk, most of the 600 pet owners have been processed,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44with only eight dogs being turned back.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49But John Fielder and his white retriever Lottie could be next.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- I do have a problem here.- Oh.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57The signature is missing on the worms treatment.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Should have signed this.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03It looks like, on this occasion, our vet has maybe forgotten to
0:18:03 > 0:18:08sign on one of the treatment boxes,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11so...I think a minor formality,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15I would have hoped, but sometimes these things can be
0:18:15 > 0:18:18viewed as very, very important, of course.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Hopefully, we can find a way forward.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25The vet's signature is on the documents...
0:18:25 > 0:18:27but in the wrong place.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Just make sure next time, really...
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Thank you.- All right. - Thank you very much.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Thank you.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Good sense from our good team at Eurotunnel.- Yes.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41Thank you.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44With the Fielder family on their way,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48other owners have different problems.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- We haven't got a ticket yet. - You haven't got a ticket?- No.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53We've got his passport done and it is checked and everything.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Everything is fine?- Yes.- Worms treatment?- Worm treatment, yes.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59OK, 24 hours before travelling?
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- Yes.- OK.- It lasts us up to one o'clock tomorrow.- OK.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- So we are hoping we get through before then, obviously.- OK.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Sarah and Nick have left things a bit late.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14They need to buy a ticket and get back to Britain before Georgie
0:19:14 > 0:19:18the spinal's worming certificate expires.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21We didn't think it would be this busy.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24You know, we came back in August, at the end of the six weeks
0:19:24 > 0:19:28English holiday and it was nowhere near as busy as this.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31More than likely sleep in the car with him.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Just stick it out in the car with Georgie the spaniel tonight.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36HE LAUGHS
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Luckily, Georgie the spaniel was booked onto the 5.30 train
0:19:39 > 0:19:42the next morning, before his paperwork expired.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51It's been a busy day at pet control in Calais and for the dog owners of
0:19:51 > 0:19:56Britain who prefer the subterranean route across the English Channel.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59There are days when people might leave this place,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01particularly an evening where you get a little bit
0:20:01 > 0:20:05of rain in the air, and the place starts smelling of damp dog, and you
0:20:05 > 0:20:08will go home from here and go... HE SNIFFS
0:20:08 > 0:20:10You know you've done a good day's work.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12HE LAUGHS
0:20:22 > 0:20:25The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are responsible for the safety
0:20:25 > 0:20:28of everyone on board a vessel in UK waters.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33They manage four rescue coordination centres on the Channel,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37keeping a watchful eye on the waters, 24/7.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'One of the major problems we have, when our yachts come out,'
0:20:41 > 0:20:45and some people aren't quite aware of the rules and regulations, and
0:20:45 > 0:20:48we don't have any rules in force to ensure that
0:20:48 > 0:20:52people on yachts have the adequate training. And, therefore, will
0:20:52 > 0:20:57encounter problems with other yachts. Not yachts, but other vessels.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00And some of them don't even realise they have to have charts,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04in working out the safe passage for getting across, because it is OK
0:21:04 > 0:21:07getting on these boats, but you have to remember what is underneath.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10You've got tides and currents. You think you're going straight,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13but you're not. You're going to go one way or the other.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15When distress calls are received,
0:21:15 > 0:21:20the coastguard can page the RNLI...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23based in 38 stations along the English Channel.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Today, the RNLI's volunteers in New Haven, Sussex,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34have received a callout.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38They are primed and ready to go.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Coastguard has picked up a Mayday on Channel 16...
0:21:46 > 0:21:49for a 17ft,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53which is a fairly small boat, four miles off.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57And, as far as we know, he's only run down at this time.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02The stricken boat's crew is concerned about drifting into the shipping lane.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04We've got about ten minutes to run.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09And then we will ascertain what is wrong with him.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13They have GPS coordinates to help locate the boat,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17but it's so small they are struggling to find it.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Apparently, the coxswain has spotted something off our bow,
0:22:20 > 0:22:25ahead of us, so it looks like it could be the target vessel.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Yeah, got something in front of us, that could be him.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Nothing showing up on radar, which is a little bit worrying.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36With the radar not picking the boat up,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39they have to try spot it themselves.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Yes, we've got him in visual about half a mile away now.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45No immediate danger to life.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48I'll stick the bow in and get Nick to have a chat with them,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51just to make sure they are happy, everything is all right on board, the
0:22:51 > 0:22:55crew are OK, and then we will explain how we are going to get a tow on.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58And we will tow them back to New Haven.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Just the two of you on board?
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- Yeah.- All OK apart from the electrical failure?- Yes, good.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Are you happy for us to pass a tow, are you happy to go up for it
0:23:07 > 0:23:10and connect it, or do you want someone on board to help?
0:23:10 > 0:23:14The crew on board the cabin cruiser don't usually fish this far out.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20They agree to connect the tow. The heave line is thrown.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28The first one misses, but the backup line hits the mark
0:23:28 > 0:23:31and manages to connect the two vessels.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40All right?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44We'll get you up alongside when we get in the harbour.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Right?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48OK. Slide him one.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53The RNLI can now tow the boat out of the shipping lane
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and out of harm's way.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59The Orca is kept at a safe distance,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01but won't be going to its home port.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04She did want to go to Brighton, she's from Brighton.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07We are only about four miles off of New Haven,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09so I've said I'm not taking him to Brighton.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13We're not the AA service. It is a waste of our resources.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15And we've got to get back and then we are on back on pagers,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19ready for another service that could be more important.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Everybody is fine.- Just sounds like an electrical failure.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25They've been fishing for cod. They've come up on the flood tide
0:24:25 > 0:24:27from Brighton, they've drifted up with the flood tide,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30up to New Haven and then they've realised their engine won't start.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34So, they put a Mayday out. Not technically a Mayday.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37The definition of a Mayday is grave and imminent danger.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Uh, these guys are not in grave and imminent danger.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43They had an electrical failure of their outboard motor.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Lovely day today, nice and calm.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48And a pan-pan, an urgency message, to say
0:24:48 > 0:24:50they had broken down and drifted would have been suffice.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54But the main thing is they've got out a call for assistance
0:24:54 > 0:24:57urgently and the lifeboat has gone out and done the job.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59But the job isn't over yet.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Towing a dead boat back to port
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and getting it alongside is always a delicate operation.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13The seascape around the Port of Southampton
0:25:13 > 0:25:16is dominated by the traffic on its water.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Huge container ships...
0:25:19 > 0:25:22are intersected by leisure yachts under sail.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Across the UK, leisure boating is growing in popularity,
0:25:28 > 0:25:33with nearly 3.5 million of us taking to the water every year.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Whilst summer is peak yachting season,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39the hardiest of sailors race in the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Frostbite series between January and March.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48The competition was set up 20 years ago
0:25:48 > 0:25:51and, today, it draws amateurs and seasoned racers from far and
0:25:51 > 0:25:56wide, looking to start their sailing year with a chilly challenge.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It's a beautiful day.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01The Malice team is made up of nine crew,
0:26:01 > 0:26:05with day jobs ranging from chefs to customer services.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09But at the weekend they are all hardened competitors.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13At the helm, as skipper, is architect Mike Moxley.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I do an office job and spend a lot of my time sitting around talking
0:26:16 > 0:26:18to people.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20And actually, getting out on the water, it's a
0:26:20 > 0:26:23completely different environment.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Often being out of radio contact, you don't
0:26:26 > 0:26:30get anything like that, almost anywhere else in life any more.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Maybe if you go mountain climbing.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40On a day like today, it's nothing but pleasure,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43providing it all goes right, from the point of view of racing.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47And what you're looking for, in racing, is not a walkover
0:26:47 > 0:26:51but competing against people who you can have
0:26:51 > 0:26:52a good scrap with.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55The Malice team is currently top of the leaderboard
0:26:55 > 0:26:59in the tournament, with three points after two races.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05We did really well. Just consistency, really, is the key.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I think we had a first and a second, which meant
0:27:08 > 0:27:11that we were first.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- It is a pretty good feeling. - OK, coming up.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17A strong performance in today's race is critical to give them
0:27:17 > 0:27:20a good chance of winning the series.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22As this is winter,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25the weather along the Channel is especially unpredictable,
0:27:25 > 0:27:29meaning it is rarely smooth sailing and anything could happen.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Today, the wind will be across Southampton Water,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36which should mean that we have a fairly energetic race.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39There is a huge amount of wind shear.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Absolutely enormous.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Winter weather means the wind direction can quickly shift,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48making life difficult when racing yachts.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Malice and her crew head for the start line in Southampton Water
0:27:53 > 0:27:56for the four-mile race.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Experienced sailor Hugh Phillips' job is chief navigator.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07His first task is to help them get off the start line.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10A good start can make or break a race.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14OK, ease on the jib for now, ease right off.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Ease on the main, I want to dawdle. OK, another jibe.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Five, four, three, two, one.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30'This is Royal Southampton race control, that was the start for class one,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32'as the line was clear.'
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Straight away, there is a problem for Team Malice.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40Another boat blocks their clear path off the start line.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Lee-Oh!
0:28:43 > 0:28:46OK, weight up. Weight forward.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Ease off, ease off, everybody.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52The start wasn't particularly brilliant. We were a bit off the line but
0:28:52 > 0:28:56we got trapped by that other boat which was below us, just before the start, pushed us up
0:28:56 > 0:28:58and we then had to dip down underneath him.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01And that took us away from the line.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05The course is triangular and marked with orange buoys.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10We are underway, we are just approaching, we've got about...
0:29:10 > 0:29:13seven minutes to go until the first mark.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Where will be turning left and hoisting the spinnaker.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18The flawed start means Team Malice must now play
0:29:18 > 0:29:20catch-up on the first stretch of the race.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Right, I want attack.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26On this first leg, the wind is not behind them.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28So they must sail in a zigzag fashion, to try
0:29:28 > 0:29:31to catch the wind in their sails.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- Is that full engine?- Yes.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40But the wintry weather keeps everyone on their toes.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Of course it is coming back the other way again.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46To be in with a chance of winning,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50they must react quickly to the changeable gusts of wind.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53Certainly within our knowledge, actually predicting where the
0:29:53 > 0:29:55shifts are is extremely difficult.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It is just turbulence coming off the land.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02As they approach the first turn,
0:30:02 > 0:30:06the leaders of the eight-boat race are already rounding it.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Malice is towards the back, in a tight cluster of several boats.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12This one's...
0:30:12 > 0:30:15a bit closer than I'd like them to be.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16Right, Lee-Oh.
0:30:23 > 0:30:24Bearing away now.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30OK, Hugh, you're just to play it as best you can.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33We're trapped by Jynnan Tonnyx.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35OK. Are you going to go...
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Yet again, Malice has to give way to another boat
0:30:38 > 0:30:40that's slightly ahead of them.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41..away.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49Their competitors catch a good breeze and surge forwards
0:30:49 > 0:30:51on to the second leg.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56In fact, we're...
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Push the boom out, please!
0:30:58 > 0:31:02We've got a ship just at the wrong minute.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Malice frantically makes the turn
0:31:04 > 0:31:07but they've missed the wind and are now at the back of the pack.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12No, we lost a few places there, unfortunately.
0:31:12 > 0:31:13We let two boats...
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Well, one boat got there before us and then we let two get past us,
0:31:16 > 0:31:18so there's three, actually, at the mark,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21which was a bit disappointing.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23We had a wind shift right at the last minute
0:31:23 > 0:31:25and we ended up on the wrong side.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Never mind.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29It just means we got to catch them now and overtake.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33The team's position in the series leaderboard is now in the balance.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40On the second stretch, the team must unleash the large spinnaker sail
0:31:40 > 0:31:43which is specifically designed for use when sailing
0:31:43 > 0:31:45in the same direction as the wind.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51Getting it up quickly could help them accelerate
0:31:51 > 0:31:54and close the gap on the opposition.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01OK, pull back a bit, please, I want to go deep.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05As bowman, Clare Tyler has one of the most critical jobs on the team -
0:32:05 > 0:32:08organising the lines of the Malice.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11One wrong move and the vessel can become disabled.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I don't think we're winning.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I don't normally look up. I'm looking at bits of string...
0:32:16 > 0:32:17The race,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20I don't even know which way we're going sometimes
0:32:20 > 0:32:23cos we were doing a triangle and the breeze dropped, so...
0:32:23 > 0:32:24I tend to focus on what I'm doing.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28Skipper Mike remains optimistic about their chances.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34No, it's not...
0:32:34 > 0:32:38not going brilliantly at the moment, but we will catch up.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Oh, we're getting a bit of breeze.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46With a little patience, things finally start going their way.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49We've got a bit more wind now
0:32:49 > 0:32:50and we've just had a lift,
0:32:50 > 0:32:55which means the wind has shifted in our favour, so with a bit of luck...
0:32:55 > 0:32:59This boat's really good upwind, so we've got a chance of catching up.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- We need to tack.- Right, ready about.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- Wait, wait... - Hang on, hang on, it's gone back.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Just count to ten, Hugh. Don't go too quickly.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11The moment comes to angle the sales to harness the wind.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- Right, let's tack.- OK, ready about.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- Ready!- Lee-Oh!
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Right, ready about.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25We're ready.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Getting a head in. - That's a huge header, Hugh.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Well, it's just going... It's all over the place.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38It's shifting by 50-60 degrees. Right, let's tack.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41No, we've got this guy...
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Sorry, Hugh.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Ready?- Yeah, we're ready.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51The changeable winds are playing havoc with Malice's tactics.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54OK, that's another huge header, I'm afraid, Hugh.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Oh, sugar.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- Absurd, this wind. Absolutely mad. - No, we're just timing it wrong.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- Right, let's go for it, quick. - Get ready.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- Yep, we're ready.- Lee-oh.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- Hang on, it's shifted back again.- OK.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13As the wind is finally in their favour, they gain ground...
0:34:13 > 0:34:14You got that boat, Hugh?
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Yeah, yeah, it's clear ahead.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21..but they're dangerously close to the boat ahead.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30We're about to touch him, Mike.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Slow boat, slow boat.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Then, disaster strikes.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38That guy is hitting us.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41No.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Did we?
0:34:46 > 0:34:50That boat was so slow just in front of them and Mike didn't see it,
0:34:50 > 0:34:54we just nudged his back, so it's made a bad day even worse.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Colliding with another boat means Team Malice must now complete
0:34:58 > 0:35:02two penalty turns, losing them vital minutes.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05OK, bearing away. We'll do the turns...
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Just going around, jibe.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09OK, right, round again.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10OK, sheet in.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16So, I think, probably, it's fair to say we're down the pan on this race.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Right, where's the breeze, guys?
0:35:21 > 0:35:23There's a patch of breeze over there.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Is there one over there?
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Team Malice might not be able to win this race,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30but they're fighting hard not to come last.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36OK, hang on.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38We fallen in to no wind again.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41On their last chance to make up any ground,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45a cargo boat, literally, takes the wind out of their sails.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49That's a good wall of steel.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Well, I can honestly say that we're going to be comprehensively last.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Today has not been Malice's race...
0:35:59 > 0:36:01but they're finishing with a final burst of speed.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Hugh, we're just coming up to the line. Are you ready?
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Drop now.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09KLAXON SOUNDS
0:36:09 > 0:36:12The race is over and Malice have come in last.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16So, every manoeuvre we did, the wind changed against us.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Part of the skill of this game is trying to anticipate
0:36:19 > 0:36:24what the wind does and anyway, we got it wrong just about every single time
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and it happens.
0:36:28 > 0:36:29The Malice crew
0:36:29 > 0:36:32has the chance to make peace with the boat they collided with.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- So, sorry about that.- All right.
0:36:37 > 0:36:38No damage?
0:36:41 > 0:36:45For now, it's time to head back to the clubhouse,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48where Mike and his crew can drown their sorrows
0:36:48 > 0:36:50and regroup for the rest of the competition.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52I don't believe it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02The Channel is a popular destination for amateur sailors
0:37:02 > 0:37:06in yachts, dinghies, sail and motorboats.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09The freedom of the seas means
0:37:09 > 0:37:12you don't need any qualifications, training or a licence
0:37:12 > 0:37:14to sail for pleasure in the Channel...
0:37:17 > 0:37:20..but inexperienced skippers in the world's busiest shipping lane
0:37:20 > 0:37:24are not a good mix,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27so the RNLI are on hand to avert disaster.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34Off the coast of Newhaven,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38the RNLI volunteers are currently out on a shout,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41towing back a leisure boat with an electrical fault
0:37:41 > 0:37:43that was drifting in the shipping lane.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49They had to down tools at their day jobs to respond to the scene.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50I was painting up at a school,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53a local school, as the kids were on half term.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I was up there with a lick of paint, to freshen all the corridors.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Funnily enough, one of the staff members came by and said,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02"I've noticed we haven't had any shouts for a while,"
0:38:02 > 0:38:04and approximately five minutes later, the pagers went off,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08so I'll blame him when I get back and he can put the kettle on.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11I was just off duty at home when the pager went off, ironing.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19On an RNLI lifeboat, the coxswain is in charge of the boat at sea.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23They make all the decisions during a rescue operation
0:38:23 > 0:38:26and part of their job is to train future leaders.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29We got a trainee coxswain on board at the moment.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31It's quite easy to go out on a Sunday and practise
0:38:31 > 0:38:34and do this, that and the other but on a real job,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36you have to start thinking.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Mark should now be thinking
0:38:38 > 0:38:40how he's going to get alongside when we get in Newhaven
0:38:40 > 0:38:44without squashing it, because we've got 44 tonnes of boat here
0:38:44 > 0:38:47and that's only a little 17-foot cabin cruiser.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50He should be doing some thinking now.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51It's exciting.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52No, it's good.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56It's good to have the opportunity to practise in a real-life situation.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59I think the issue is it's quite a tiny boat
0:38:59 > 0:39:04and when we tie the boat alongside us here,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07putting it alongside the pontoon will be interesting
0:39:07 > 0:39:12because we're a very heavy boat relative to the tiny boat there
0:39:12 > 0:39:16so we need to be very careful that, I guess, we don't squash her
0:39:16 > 0:39:19so we'll play it carefully.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21The first test for Mark
0:39:21 > 0:39:25is to determine how fast he can tow such a small boat.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Yeah, were going along about 5.5 knots here
0:39:28 > 0:39:29so, yes, it's a safety issue
0:39:29 > 0:39:32and, obviously, the faster we go, the more wash we create
0:39:32 > 0:39:35which makes it a bit more of an uncomfortable and unsafe ride
0:39:35 > 0:39:37for the guys being towed.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39For safety reasons,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41they must keep the rescued crew on board the Orca
0:39:41 > 0:39:45informed about the procedure to get them in to harbour.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Mike the mechanic tries to make contact.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54Vessel Orca, this is Newhaven lifeboat, channel 67, over.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Go ahead, over.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Vessel Orca, this is Newhaven lifeboat.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Our intention, sir, once we've proceeded further north
0:40:02 > 0:40:05is to bring you alongside our starboard side.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07We will fender our vessel.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11If you proceed to put fenders out on your starboard side,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13we will then put you on the visitors' berth, over.
0:40:15 > 0:40:20It seems the electrical fault with their engine isn't their only problem.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23For whatever reason, he can't hear our transmission,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25so potentially, his radio might be running low
0:40:25 > 0:40:29and he's able to transmit, but he's not able to receive.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32I assume his radio is just about to drop off.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35I'm just going to try on a different radio, to confirm
0:40:35 > 0:40:38that it's definitely his radio and not our radio.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Vessel Orca, Vessel Orca,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42this is Newhaven lifeboat, Newhaven lifeboat,
0:40:42 > 0:40:43channel 67, over.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48And that proves my point.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50With no comms to the Orca,
0:40:50 > 0:40:52the operation will be even more dangerous.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58The volunteers have no choice but to proceed with the operation
0:40:58 > 0:41:04while the Orca's crew remains in the dark about how they'll be manoeuvred to safety.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Were just going to shorten up the tow now, secure him alongside
0:41:06 > 0:41:09and just pop him alongside the visitors' berth,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11so the coastguards can get his details
0:41:11 > 0:41:12and he can effect his repairs.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18But there's another logistical problem to contend with -
0:41:18 > 0:41:21a cross-channel ferry is about to leave the port
0:41:21 > 0:41:23and they need to get the Orca out of the way.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Yeah, we've got about five minutes to get this alongside
0:41:27 > 0:41:29and tied up and out of the way
0:41:29 > 0:41:32before the ferry leaves to go to France.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34They pull the Orca tight to the lifeboat
0:41:34 > 0:41:37so they can effectively carry her to the jetty
0:41:37 > 0:41:41and push her into the visitors' berth,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43but it's a tricky manoeuvre.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47Er, a slight breeze here, which is blowing us of the quay.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52Boat handling, with a 44-tonne boat with a small thing strapped alongside,
0:41:52 > 0:41:57is not a very pleasant thing to do on the best of days.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00This is good practice for Mark.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02They'll thrust out a little bit...
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Just a little bit.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Trainee coxswain Mark is doing his best to stop the lifeboat
0:42:09 > 0:42:12crushing the cabin cruiser against the quay.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15They'll thrust in. Keep it there, keep it there.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20Now we've got them alongside,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22we're just going to get alongside ourselves
0:42:22 > 0:42:26and make sure the boat's ready to go to sea whenever it needs to
0:42:26 > 0:42:31and we'll go back to the boathouse and have a cup of tea.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34With the boat safely attached to dry land,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37the anglers have a chance to reflect on their rescue.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41We headed out this morning, sat there happily fishing
0:42:41 > 0:42:43until we realised we had to get out of the shipping lanes
0:42:43 > 0:42:45cos they won't stop for no-one.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48That's when we realised there was a problem with the big engine,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51so I got the little baby engine out, which is new,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54and it decided to oil up and I'd forgot me tools,
0:42:54 > 0:42:56so it's a good lesson for us.
0:42:56 > 0:43:02With the Orca out of harm's way, the giant ferry can leave for France
0:43:02 > 0:43:04and the RNLI lifeboat is moored up,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07ready for the next callout on the Channel.