0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:01 > 0:00:04- Porthdinllaen - on Lleyn's northern coast...
0:00:04 > 0:00:10- ..has been an RNLI lifeboat station - for almost 150 years.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- It's an integral part - of the community in Morfa Nefyn.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- It's like cement in the community.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- Taid and Dad - were members of the lifeboat crew.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- It runs in the family.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- I'm proud that Porthdinllaen - is a Welsh-speaking station.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- I'd had numerous invitations - to join, and then I became hooked!
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- People ask if I have a boat.
0:00:45 > 0:00:46- I reply, "Yes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- "It's white, blue and orange and - I never know where it'll take me."
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- Builders, carpenters, - a postman and even a milkman.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- The volunteers - put their lives at risk...
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- ..when the call comes.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09- They jump out of bed at 3am - for no pay.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- They'll go out - whatever the weather.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- You need guts to do that - - a lot of guts.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- It has been an exciting year - of changes.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- A new home and a new boat.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- This series chronicles - an important chapter...
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- ..in the history - of RNLI Porthdinllaen.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- We only live once.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- I've had the chance - to be a member of the lifeboat crew.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Nobody can take that away from me.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- It's very, very special.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- Subtitles
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- August 2012.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- The RNLI Porthdinllaen crew...
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- ..prepare lifeboat the Hetty Rampton - for her last open day.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- After 25 years of patrolling - the sea off North-west Wales...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..a new boat - is coming to Porthdinllaen.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Today is important...
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- ..like every open day.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- It's the last one - for Hetty and this station.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- I'm up and down.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- But I'm looking forward - to the future.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- It's a huge change for us.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- It's time to move on.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- She can only manage 15 knots, - or 19mph, so she's slow.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- They are looking to reduce - the different types of lifeboats.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- They'll be cheaper to run, - and any amendments will be easier.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- The Porthdinllaen lifeboat - serves a broad area...
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- ..fifteen miles to the north...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- ..and 25 miles west - towards Ireland...
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- ..down to Bardsey Island and beyond.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- It's a tough area.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- We're on our own, - so we need a proper boat.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- It'll be a sad day when she goes.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- I haven't been here - as long as some of the boys.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- She has done a lot for me - and she has always brought us home.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- We've been out - in horrendous weather conditions.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- I want to ensure - she looks fantastic when she leaves.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Ten years ago, - after 25 years at sea...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- ..Mike became - the RNLI Porthdinllaen coxswain.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- This is Ruby. She's a one-man bird.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- I'm the only one who can handle her!
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- You can be nasty, can't you, Rubes?
0:04:25 > 0:04:26- Mmm?
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Come on. You're a good girl.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- I learnt how to handle a boat as - a five-year-old on Abersoch beach.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- Abersoch beach was my playing field.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- He left school at 16.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- Like many local boys, - a career at sea beckoned.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- He travelled all over the world.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- But after long periods - away from home...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..he was thrilled - to come home to Lleyn to work.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- It's a fantastic job. - I already had a good job.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- This is the icing on the cake.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- We're on call 24-7.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- Every day is different. - It's up to me what I want to do.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- It's not a job for the idle. - The days are always long.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33- The present Porthdinllaen station - is too small for the new boat.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- They will embark on the process - of building a larger one soon.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- It will be built - on the same location.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- This one is being demolished.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- It will be far more modern - and much bigger.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- We have to move on. - We have a new boat.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- It's cramped - because 24 of us use this crewroom.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- It'll all be finished - once this is done.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18- Open days are an important part - of the RNLI calendar in Britain.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- It's a chance to meet the crew - and raise funds.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- The 24-strong crew - faces a year full of changes.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Luckily, we're all friends.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- We get on.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- There are characters of all ages.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- A lot of leg-pulling goes on.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- A lot of leg-pulling goes on.- - We're all different.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- But on the lifeboat, we learn - the same thing and we're a team.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- Without the teamwork, - it could be dangerous.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02- Caryl Thomas became the first girl - to join the crew seven years ago.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- She's from Morfa Nefyn.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- She's from Morfa Nefyn.- - It means a lot to me.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- I'm part of the crew.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- I don't see myself - as the first girl.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Three other girls - have joined after me.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- It made a difference.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- I don't have to talk - to the men all the time...
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- ..about boat engines and cars.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- Mali, also from Morfa Nefyn, - is one of those new girls.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- Over the years, I've had - numerous invitations to join.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- This year, I was invited - to go out on an exercise.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- I thought, "Why not?"
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- I went along and really enjoyed it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- I enjoyed it more than I expected, - to be honest. I was hooked!
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- The Porthdinllaen crew is unique...
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- ..because they're all - Welsh speakers.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- We'd like to keep it that way, - but not through force.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- Potential volunteers know - it's a Welsh-speaking boat.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- We won't change that. It's going - to be like that forever, I hope.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- They are more comfortable - in Welsh than English.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- When they speak English, - they have to ask a question twice!
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- A maritime background isn't - necessary to join a lifeboat crew.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- The current Porthdinllaen crew - is a mixed bunch of people.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- Builders, carpenters, - plumbers and engineers.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Years ago, the crew - consisted of local fishermen.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Nowadays...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- ..to get a fisherman - or someone who works at sea...
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- ..is almost impossible.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- We're all volunteers - except the coxswain and mechanic.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- They are the only full-time members.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- It takes a special person - to be a coxswain or deputy coxswain.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- It takes good man management.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- Mike is unique.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- He has pushed me - over the past few months.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- I think it was a gamble - to take me on.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- He must have seen something in me.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Some glimmer of potential.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- I've learnt a lot from him. - He treats everyone as equals.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- He has to tell us what to do - as well as be our friend.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- I'm happy to go out on the boat - with him.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- He's in charge of the boat - and we do what he says.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- I insist on a certain standard.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- I want a good station and crew.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- It is a special job.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- I'm proud because there aren't - that many full-time workers.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- You can't beat it.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- Soon, Mike will have - to get used to a new boat.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- I've waited nine years for this - and Christmas is here at last!
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Everyone's excited - because it's so close.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- It's like going - from a Robin Reliant to Formula 1.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- It's a change for the crew as well.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- There are major changes afoot.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- I can't describe it to them.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- They have to see the boat - for themselves.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- It has the wow factor.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- It'll take time for it to sink in.
0:10:57 > 0:10:57- .
0:11:03 > 0:11:03- Subtitles
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- The Porthdinllaen lifeboat station - is on Lleyn's northern coast...
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- ..where the sea - has moulded the people.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Lleyn is similar to Guernsey.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- It's more of an island - than a peninsula.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- The 60 miles of coastline - is only seven miles across.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- Farmers go out fishing.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- There are several harbours.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- We have the visitor population. - It's part of life.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- This is evident - in the locals' relationship...
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- ..with the lifeboat.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- The people of Nefyn...
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- ..Morfa Nefyn...
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- ..and the whole area - think highly of the lifeboat.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- It's like cement, if you like...
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- ..in the community.
0:12:14 > 0:12:20- As this 1960s film - of RNLI Porthdinllaen shows...
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- ..the whole community knew - when the lifeboat was called out.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- It was an explosion.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- It was the same idea - as mortars used by the army.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- The coastguard fired them years ago.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Then the coxswain.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- We all had maroons.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Whoever was in charge...
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- ..fired them.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- Whoever was on call fired them.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- As children, - when we heard the explosion...
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- ..we ran to see the boat - going down the slipway.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- We cycled down to see the boat.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- It attracted people from Ty Coch - to collect money.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- We had collection boxes...
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- ..and people donated money.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Nowadays, people don't know - if the boat is going out.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29- The RNLI headquarters is in Poole - on the south coast of England.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- It is also a college.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- The Porthdinllaen crew - are training on their new boat...
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- ..the John D Spicer...
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- ..before bringing her back - to her new home in Porthdinllaen.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- The new boat is a Tamar.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- It cost 2.7 million to build...
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- ..bequeathed by the late John - Dominic Spicer from Oxfordshire.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- We've waited a long time for this.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- We want to take her back. - There's a lot of work ahead of us.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- I'm ecstatic.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- Seven of us were there - from Monday to Friday...
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- ..to get used to the new boat.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31- We were at sea for 12 hours a day - with two RNLI college instructors.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- We learnt all sorts of things - about the new boat.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- It wasn't hard.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Our instructors - knew what they were talking about.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- They were so good...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..a monkey could have picked up - how to sail a lifeboat.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- The training went well. - Mike is thrilled with the new boat.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- It's far more powerful - and comfortable.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- The navigation gear is amazing.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- If you add it all up, - we've got a fantastic boat.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- The two boats are very different.
0:15:13 > 0:15:19- We can work off a screen - with a mouse on the armrest.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- The coxswain stays put.
0:15:23 > 0:15:29- He can see what the radar operator - or navigator are doing.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- We talk through headsets.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- Everyone is happy, - but the learning process isn't over.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- It was a tough week, - physically and mentally.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- We boarded the boat - for the first time.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- We all started at the bottom.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- It was new to everyone.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- The training week - soon came to an end.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- It was time to take the boat - to her new home in Lleyn.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- Robat and Gareth - drove back to Porthdinllaen.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- Five of us and two inspectors, - Colin and Mark...
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- ..sailed home on the John D Spicer.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- The 400-mile journey from Poole - took four days.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- They called at Brixham, - Plymouth and Falmouth...
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- ..then crossed the Celtic Sea - to Rosslare and Arklow...
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- ..before reaching Porthdinllaen.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- The crew became accustomed - to the new boat.
0:16:53 > 0:16:59- Three days after leaving Poole, - they'd made it to Arklow in Ireland.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- Ahead of them - was the final leg back to Lleyn.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- The big day finally arrived.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- It was the last chance - to see the Hetty Rampton...
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- ..after 25 years of service - in Porthdinllaen.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- This is the Hetty Rampton's - last day.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- We're expecting the John D Spicer - at five o'clock.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- We'll launch Hetty - half an hour beforehand...
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- ..to lead her in.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- It's fantastic to see the support.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Dad's bringing the new boat in.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- As the coxswain's son, - I'm supporting him and the team.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- In Arklow, Mike was busy - preparing the lifeboat.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- With the boat looking its best, - they set off for Lleyn.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- Ta-ta, Arklow. We're going home.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- Lleyn next.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- It was early afternoon - in Porthdinllaen.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- As they prepared - to welcome the new lifeboat...
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- ..Hetty received her final call.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- Four miles up the coast, - near Nant Gwrtheyrn...
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- ..a pleasure boat was in trouble.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Of the eight people on board, - only one had a life jacket.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- We've been called out - to a spot about four miles away.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- A boat has broken down.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- There are eight passengers - and only one life jacket.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- There are seven children on board.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- It could have been a tragedy.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- The sea is rough there.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- The summer months are the busiest - for the Porthdinllaen lifeboat.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- Such calls are common.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- In the summer, - we get emergency calls.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- Someone may be lost - or may have fallen overboard...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- ..or suffering a jet ski injury.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Usually, the boats - have broken down.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- If we weren't here to save them...
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- ..they'd drift onto rocks.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- They aren't the same as RAC calls.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- They can't park in a lay-by - to wait for the AA.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- These Manchester visitors - were lucky this time...
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- ..thanks to the Hetty Rampton - and her crew.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- In the meantime, the John D Spicer - was crossing the Irish Sea.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- We knew that it was a big day.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- It built up during the day.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- The first to spot Bardsey Island - won a Kit Kat.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- We didn't realize - Bardsey was so far away.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Back in Porthdinllaen...
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- ..Robat, the deputy coxswain, - is aware how important today is.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- I was here when they brought her in - 25 years ago...
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- ..when I was six years old!
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- It's an incredibly important day.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- We won't see a new lifeboat again.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- As five o'clock approached...
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- ..the Hetty Rampton set off - to meet the John D Spicer.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- I remember seeing the Hetty Rampton - like a dot on the horizon.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- There was something quite touching - and emotional about it.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- She led us in to Porthdinllaen.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- It had been her bay for 25 years.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- As we approached, - I could see people on the headland.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- When we came around - Trwyn Porthdinllaen...
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- ..we saw the crowds!
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- We didn't expect it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- I remember waving for hours.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- I felt like the Queen.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- It was a privilege to be one - of the crew. I'll never forget it.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Once in a lifetime.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- The Hetty Rampton and - the John D Spicer came bow to bow...
0:22:11 > 0:22:17- ..for the traditional maritime - blessing by the local vicar.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- Mike took the lifeboat around - the bay to demonstrate her speed.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- He was a proud man that day.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- He was totally chuffed.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- It's indescribable.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- When we approached, - there were tears in my eyes.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- But no-one saw behind my sunglasses!
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- The girls were tearful as well.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Everybody has worked hard.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Mali has only been with us - for four months...
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- ..but she did a great job.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- We've got a brilliant team.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- We've waited nine years - for this day.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- And for today to finally arrive...
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- ..I'll never forget today, never.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- With the John D Spicer - anchored in the bay...
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- ..there are many challenges ahead - for Mike and the crew.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- They are beginning - a new and exciting chapter...
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- ..in the history of the RNLI - Porthdinllaen lifeboat station.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .