To quote Lt Cdr USN Smith, Sea King Pilot on the night of 19th December 1981:

"Throughout the entire rescue evolution the Penlee Crew never seemed to hesitate. After each time they were washed, blown or bumped away from the casualty the Penlee  immediately started another run in. Their spirit and dedication was amazing considering the horrific hurricane seas and the constant pounding they were taking. The greatest act of courage that I have ever seen, and am likely to ever see, was the penultimate courage and dedication shown by the Penlee when it manoeuvred back alongside the casualty in over 60 foot breakers and rescuing four people shortly after the Penlee had been bashed on top of the casualty's hatch covers.

They were truly the bravest eight men I've ever seen who were also totally dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the RNLI."

That terrible night is now 40 years ago and those men should be remembered for at least another generation, and the community that nurtured such heroes celebrated for its heart and spirit.

Thanks for Rannoch Adventure of Burnham on Couch for providing the organisation for the expedition.

The crew is departing Tenerife at the start of December and should make landfall in Antigua in the middle of January.

We will be approximately halfway on the night of 19th December 40 years to the minute after the Solomon Browne's fatal heroism.