Portaferry RNLI welcomed members of Killyleagh Yacht Club to the boathouse on Northern Ireland’s Ards Peninsila last week to present a cheque for £3,700 to help power the station’s lifesaving work at sea.
The money was raised during the club’s annual charity keelboat weekend in June and their regatta in July.
The club commodore Gary Shields said: “It took a lot of people to organise and run the two events and we’re delighted to have raised as much as we have.
“As sailors, there’s no better charity to raise funds for. At this time of year we’re out on the water several times a week and whether it’s racing or relaxing, we know things can go wrong very quickly.
“Helm Scott Blackwood showed us around the station and talked us through the kit and equipment. The lifeboat is a remarkable boat, nothing is left to chance and it’s very reassuring to know it’s there if we need it.”
Commodore Gary Shields (centre) with the crew of Portaferry RNLI’s inshore lifeboat who attended Killyleagh Yacht Club during the charity keelboat weekend in June. From left: Scott Blackwood, Steven Lloyd, Gary Shields, Gary Meehan and Chris Adair | Credit: RNLI/Lissa McCully
Patricia Browne, Portaferry RNLI fundraising chair said: “We’re very grateful to the committee and members of Killyleagh Yacht Club for choosing to support the RNLI, especially this year as we celebrate 200 years of our charity.
“We took our pop-up shop to the club along with our water safety team and lifeboat crew during the charity races in June. It was a great day with live music and a barbecue. A further £295 was spent at the shop while we were there and we thank commodore Gary Shields and his wife Lisa for the invitation.
“Our crew are always training, learning new skills and preparing themselves for what they may face when at sea. £3,700 will not only help with their training, but also help cover costs of the technology and kit needed to keep them as safe as possible when they go to the aid of those in danger.”
While the visitors had a tour of the station they were joined by The Molgoggers Maritime Song Group from Cobh in Co Cork who entertained everyone by singing sea shanties.
