Sailing community handover NSRI donation
The National Sea Rescue Institute's Durban Station received a whopping R109, 075 in donations from the 2014 Barrel Race and other fundraising activities from the Durban sailing community.
DONATIONS from the 2014 Barrel Race were presented to the National Sea Rescue Institute Durban Station with the Durban sailing community raising a whopping R109,075 to the volunteer organisation.
The annual Barrel Race is an event hosted by Point Yacht Club and organised jointly with the Bluff Yacht Club, Island Sailing Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club.
The Durban sailing community handed over a cheque to the value of R80,000 to the NSRI in 2013, growing their support by nearly R30,000. The money raised will go towards helping with their maintenance that is a constant drain on their finances as well as adding to their savings towards a new 12 meter rescue boat that they are hoping to launch in Durban in 2015.
“Local support for Sea Rescue is critical,” affirmed Clifford Ireland, the NSRI, Station Five Station Commander. He said, “It is extremely expensive to run a NSRI station and having the support of local business, clubs and individuals helps us to afford to keep our equipment in tip top condition, make sure that we always have fuel, excellent Personal Protective equipment like wetsuits and life-jackets as well as carrying out general preventative maintenance.”
Ireland joined the NSRI in 1992 and soon became a Class 1 Coxswain, and then the Durban Station Commander in 2010. “Last year the NSRI nationally had 662 rescue responses, spent 3,992 hours on operations and 7,903 hours on training across all 35 stations. We rescued 1,131 people.” Ireland proudly explained.
The hard working Durban establishment is one of four in the KZN province and their team is constantly training for any instance that could happen in our coastal waters. Looking ahead at the 2015 Barrel Race, Ireland commented, “Thank you to all who took part and to all who put so much time and effort into making the 2014 Barrel Race unforgettable. Monies raised in this year’s event will be used to replace wetsuits and life-jackets. And of course towards the big one, our new rescue boat that will cost in the region of R13 million!”
This year the Barrel Race hosted by all of the Durban yacht clubs will be held on Sunday 28 June
