Gale, Boat Builders of Whitby

In 1839 it was decided that a Lifeboat should be built for use in the Bay. The boatbuilder Gale of Whitby had a very good reputation and he was contracted to build a properly designed Lifeboat. It was delivered late in 1839 at a cost of £100. Measuring 28 x 10 x 3.5 foot she pulled ten oars. Commanded by Lt Lingard, the Cheif Coast Guard and crewed by Coast Guards and fishermen, her service was to be short and tragic.

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A 1 inch to 1 foot model of a Gale self righting Lifeboat was entered in The Great Exhibition held at the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London in 1851. Built by Robert and John Gale, the model boat won a Bronze Medal.

Both the model and the medal are on display at THE WHITBY MUSEUM