Louis Marchesi of Round Table (44–019)

Pictured: RNLI lifeboat Louis Marchesi of Round Table (No. 44‑019), lifeboat at rest, likely during or around its stationing at Newhaven (1977–1985)

Association: Round Table Great Britain & Ireland
Category: RTBI Sea Vessels
Type: Waveney-class lifeboat

Association:Round Table Great Britain & Ireland
Category: RTBI Sea Vessels
Type: 44-ft Waveney-class lifeboat
Operator: Royal National Lifeboat Institution🔗
Stations: 1986–1994 (Alderney), 1994–1996 (Exmouth), 1999+ (New Zealand Coastguard)

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The Louis Marchesi of Round Table (44–019) was a 44-ft Waveney-class lifeboat stationed at Newhaven from 1977 to 1985, named in honour of Round Table founder Louis Marchesi. The vessel was funded through Round Table GB&I’s Golden Jubilee appeal, with the official naming ceremony held in September 1977, attended by thousands of Tablers.

During her service, she launched nearly 500 times and was credited with saving more than 260 lives. After Newhaven, she served with the Relief Fleet, at Alderney (1986–1994), and at Exmouth (1994–1996), before being sold to the New Zealand Coastguard in 1999.

1994 Royal Mail stamps

The Louis Marchesi of Round Table is featured on a Royal Mail stamp issued in 1994.

Footage

The vessel features heavily in the opening scenes of The Challenge of Round Table — a 1986 video about Round Table.