The local RNLI vessels RNLB ROCK LIGHT (New Brighton)
and RNLB LADY HILBRE (Hoylake) are familiar participants in Mersey
River events. The departure of the Clipper 07-08 Race being no
exception. However, they were on hand to assist one of the spectator
vessels TOPKNOT which was dismasted off Seacombe Promenade, probably
due to the very gusty conditions prevailing on the river. RNLB ROCK
LIGHT appeared to keep the TOPKNOTS bow into the ebbing tide whilst
crew from RNLB LADY HILBRE assisted in securing the broken mast and
sail before TOPKNOT was able to get underway again on engine power.