Please select your home edition
Edition
Armstrong 728x90 - Performance Mast Range - TOP

Ramsgate RNLI celebrate youngest ever Coxswain

by RNLI 13 Jul 2024 21:26 NZST
Becky Cannon © RNLI / Karen Cox

Becky Cannon comes from a proud line of RNLI crew with her father, Ian Cannon, taking over from his father Ron Cannon MBE as Coxswain at Ramsgate upon his retirement, and her Uncle Paul in the role of second Coxswain.

Becky has grown up with the sea in her blood, which is only to be expected when you are part of a true RNLI family. Not only are her immediate family part of the crew but the tradition goes back nearly eighty five years to Dunkirk and beyond when Becky's great, great, great Uncle Alf Moody was second coxswain when the Prudential lifeboat launched to evacuate the beaches.

Joining the Ramsgate volunteer crew seven years ago at the age of seventeen, the same age that her father joined, she became Coxswain of the inshore lifeboat last year. However her ambition was to become Coxswain of the all weather lifeboat and on June 22 at the age of twenty four, she achieved her dream.

Becky, who works at Dover Harbour as a Vessel Traffic Services Officer, had to be assessed by someone other than her family. A perfect opportunity arose when her father went away on holiday and his role was covered by Dan, a relief Coxswain, who was also an assessor for the RNLI.

As was to be expected for such a responsible role, the examination was tough and after passing her Collision Regulations exam, the lifeboat went to sea where Becky was given her search scenario by the assessor.

The scenario was a person overboard, obviously a dummy was used, but with one engine failure thrown into the mix. After recovering the 'body' there was a simulated fire to contend with in the engine room which meant that abandon ship procedure by launching the life raft had to be demonstrated as well as fire fighting.

Then Becky was expected to show how she would manoeuvre the lifeboat with a single engine around the harbour and then into a boat hoist. This last manoeuvre was extremely difficult involving moving the boat astern into the hoist with just enough room for a fender either side. All of this was carried out under intense scrutiny and whilst answering many questions.

Speaking to Becky after she had successfully passed out, she talked about her pride in being, what is believed to be, the youngest female coxswain in the RNLI ever.

She credited her family for their inspiration and support, and in particular mentioned her grandfather Ron Cannon MBE. Sadly Ron passed away in 2018, so never got to see how well she has done but her grandmother Julia said how proud Ron would have been of Becky.

Her father Ian, the current Coxswain at Ramsgate and her Uncle Paul who is deputy Coxswain echoed the sentiment.

Becky also wanted to thank the crew of Ramsgate RNLI for their support during her training, and in particular, her volunteer team who were with her on the assessment day, Clive, Maz, Emma, Lance and fellow coxswain Simon.

When asked how she was going to celebrate, her plans were to go away for a weekend with her boyfriend, then when her Dad returned from holiday there are plans for a family BBQ and maybe a glass of fizz.

Asked if she would be happy for her own children to continue the family tradition and join the RNLI she replied, "Absolutely, with no hesitation! The RNLI training teaches you great skills, confidence, teamwork, courage and a sense of being part of something meaningful. Who wouldn't want that for their children?"

Donate to the RNLI

Related Articles

Hamilton Island Race Week Accommodation Deals
Our most popular race week properties available now at reduced rates Hamilton Island Race Week is fast approaching and if you're quick, we have some prime race week viewing spots available where you can watch some of the world's best racing yachts sail by and be close to all the celebrations. Posted on 6 Jun
49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 Europeans Day 4
Bergmann with Wille keep their nerve to move into FX lead Olympic veterans in the 49erFX Marla Bergmann with Hanna Wille (GER) kept their nerve and used their speed to move into the lead, scoring the fewest points on day 4. Posted on 6 Jun
Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup Day 4
Hutchinson adding the missing element as American Magic Quantum Racing close in on title Now holding a 13-points lead after today's two races contested at the Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup, American Magic Quantum Racing crew are on the cusp of completing their first 52 SUPER SERIES regatta win since victory in Barcelona in September 2022. Posted on 6 Jun
Rooster Sailing's 2025 Collection Just Dropped
From the redesigned Technical Shorts to the all-new SB2 Deck Trainers From the redesigned Technical Shorts to the all-new SB2 Deck Trainers, the 2025 collection has been developed with real sailors, for real conditions. Posted on 6 Jun
2025 Santa Maria Cup in Annapolis, USA Day 2
Final four skippers emerge from a competitive qualifying double-round robin stage A thrilling second day of racing at the 2025 Santa Maria Cup saw the final four skippers emerge from a competitive qualifying double-round robin stage. Posted on 6 Jun
Collinson FX: June 6: EU cuts rates
President Trump held an important phone conversation with Chinese President Xi. Trade wars were the market focus, once again overnight, as President Trump held an important phone conversation with Chinese President Xi. Posted on 6 Jun
SailGP to Kick Off Summer in New York
With this Weekend's Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix An unforgettable weekend of high-speed, close-to-shore racing and world-class entertainment will take place this weekend when the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix takes place in front of the most famous skyline in the world. Posted on 5 Jun
Scandinavian Gold Cup at Sopot, Poland Day 1
A slow start with very little wind The Scandinavian Gold Cup opened Thursday in Sopot, Poland, with seven 5.5 Metres competing for this historic and iconic trophy that dates back to 1922. Unfortunately, there was not enough wind to even complete one race. Posted on 5 Jun
49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 Europeans Day 3
A six-hour bake on the water Veteran and multi-Olympic race officer Sulis was clear at the morning briefing, "Our priority is to get three races for the 49er so they can progress to the gold fleet." Posted on 5 Jun
Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup Day 3
Platoon Aviation turn up the heat but don't dent American Magic Quantum Racing's lead After a disappointing first regatta of the season when they finished in an uncharacteristic last position in Saint-Tropez, the fortunes of the German flagged 2023 52 SUPER SERIES overall champions Platoon Aviation seem to have turned for the better. Posted on 5 Jun
U-DECK 2023 - No.3 728x90 BOTTOMMotomuck SaltyMuck Static 728 x 90 px BOTTOMLloyd Stevenson - Catalyst GT 1456x180px BOTTOM