A HAMPSHIRE sailing star has paid tribute to an iconic lifeboat house that is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

During that time Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue (GAFIRS), based at Gosport Lifeboat Station, has saved hundreds of lives – saving 13 just last year alone.

To celebrate the milestone, GAFIRS patron Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail non-stop around the world the “wrong way” single-handedly, paid a very special tribute to the lifeboat house. She said: The work the volunteers do at GAFIRS to keep the waters of the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour safe is invaluable and the boathouse is a fantastic base for that service.

“The boathouse has become an iconic landmark on the Stokes Bay coastline and provides a great location to launch a lifeboat in emergencies.”

The boathouse was first opened by Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Fieldhouse in a ceremony in 1985. Sir John, who was Commander of the Task Force during the Falklands War, lived in Gosport and was the second patron of GAFIRS.

GAFIRS chairman Keith Thomas said: ‘GAFIRS used to be based in the old deck chair stores where Pebbles Cafe is now. When the council decided to redevelop that site they offered us two locations - the old hovercraft slipway at Browndown and one near Gilkicker.

‘The latter was chosen as it gives the best overall view of the bay and a good location for launching in emergencies in all tides. It’s a great location and we’re very proud to be based in such a prominent position.’