Cheque handed over to sailors’ helping hand
Sailing community gathered forces to raise funds for the National Sea Rescue Institute.
DURBAN’S sailing community gathered forces to raise funds for the National Sea Rescue Institute, presenting the NPO with a cheque for R80,000.
A variety of fundraising initiatives were orchestrated towards the end of the sailing season, with the four pro-active yacht clubs giving back to the unsung heroes, the NSRI.
Commodores from the Bluff Yacht Club, Island Sailing Club, Point Yacht Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club presented Clifford Ireland from the NSRI with the ceremonious cheque.
The main event, the fun-filled Barrel Race Day, was well supported with sailors participating in a sail past and then competing in a bay race. When all the yachties returned to dry land, an auction was held with all proceeds going towards the fundraising.
The fundraising committee also made some beautiful nautical calendars, including the 2013/2014 sailing diary. The grand finale was a ‘yachties glamorous’ wine tasting evening held at the Royal Natal Yacht Club, where the cheque hand-over was presented.
With the Durban City Orchestra sextet performing, magnificent local wines being sampled, the evening was rounded off with a generous thank you to the NGO.
Chairman of the fundraising committee, Jon Marshall, thanked the NSRI for all they do, “It is comforting knowing that if anything does go wrong, then we have the support of the NSRI, and I know that a few of us needed your help with minor issues during the previous sailing season. So thank you, we appreciate all that you do for our community.”
Clifford Ireland, the station commander of Rescue 5, the Durban-based NSRI station, commented at the cheque handover: “This is greatly appreciated. Every penny helps what we do. This will go a long way towards saving people in distress at sea. If you think you may be in trouble, call us. If you aren’t sure if you are in trouble, call us. It there is any doubt in your mind, just call us – we are there to help.”
Durban’s sailors are enjoying a bit of land-time fixing, repairing and taking stock of the last sailing season before the 2013/2014 sailing season kicks off.
Should you wish to contribute further to this worthy cause, call Glynis from the NSRI Durban Base during office hours on 031-337-6490
