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Libby Finch Named First Female Helm of Cowes Lifeboat

Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station has its first woman helm — Olivia ‘Libby’ Finch.

She joins the five male members at the station qualified to take charge of the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat ‘Sheena Louise’ on rescue operations in the Solent and River Medina.

Libby, who works as a fundraiser with the Cowes-based Ellen McArthur Foundation, said:

“I’ve been a sailor all my life, and was keen to also volunteer with the local lifeboat.

"Perhaps there will come a time when all four crew members responding to a ‘shout’ will be women!”

The station’s Operations Manager, Mark Southwell, added:

“I was delighted that the assessor told her she was ‘one of the best ever’.

“Well done Libby! You join a very professional team of helms, and we wish you well in your new role.”

This is not, however, the only activity-related success for Libby in her life. She had also once played in the England women’s lacrosse team.

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