Surrounded by water on three sides, Plymouth’s Royal William Yard is the perfect setting to celebrate those who save lives at sea. The historic waterfront destination is hosting a day of celebrations with the RNLI on Sunday 9th July (10am – 3pm). From daring demonstrations of sea rescues to fun-filled family activities and free children’s crafts, the event will provide plenty of entertainment for all.  

Two RNLI lifeboats, including a Severn class lifeboat – which is the largest in the fleet – will be moored in Royal William Yard Marina, which will be the backdrop for two live sea rescue simulations. As well as all the action on the water, the Water Safety Team, Plymouth RNLI Fundraisers, Plymouth RNLI Shop Team and RNLI Face to Face Team will provide information and entertainment back on dry land. Special guest, RNLI mascot Stormy Stan, will also be in attendance for the day! 

Live event schedule: 

  • 10am – arrival of the lifeboats into the Marina 
  • 10:30 – 11:30am – all weather lifeboat demonstration, recovering a paddleboarder in difficulty 
  • 12:30pm – an award presentation to the RNLI’s former Chairman, Dave Lister 
  • 1:30 – 2:30pm – inflatable rescue boat demonstration, recovering an inflatable in difficulty  

With activity unfolding site-wide, visitors can also head to Royal William Yard’s Melville courtyard to be inspired by various RNLI stalls, Dartmoor Search and Rescue, Devon & Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, Devon & Cornwall Police dive team, HM Coastguard, National Coastwatch Institution, Environment Agency, Plymouth City Council’s youth services team, and a host of other brilliant organisations and local good causes.  

In celebration of all things coastal, the event will also continue the South West Coast Path’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with a variety of information available about how to enjoy the country’s longest national trail. The South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition is on display at Ocean Studios in Factory Cooperage, showcasing images of the coast path that explore personal connections, nature, urban and industrial heritage, climate change.     

The Yard’s independent seafood restaurant, The Hook & Line, will serve delicacies from the deep during the day. Running its pop-up fresh fish market outside the restaurant from 10am, its team of chefs will be on hand to give recipe suggestions and filet fish. From 11am, The Hook & Line’s BBQ will serve fresh mackerel burgers, grilled sardines, scallops and prawns. 

The newly launched Hub restaurant  – inspired by its site by the water in St Ives, set up 20 years ago – will celebrate the sea. Dive in and enjoy local seafood and meats cooked on their chargrill, or choose a seaside classic like Fish & Chips, Surf & Turf or their cheeky take on a dish burger, Sole in a Roll. With awesome views across Royal William Yard Marina, an outside terrace to enjoy sundowners, and a sunny sheltered inner courtyard for the windy days, they’ve got al fresco eating and drinking covered. 

Find out more about Royal William Yard here and uncover the great work on the RNLI and how to support the Mayday appeal here.