Sugar boat trips raise money for Largs RNLI

All that was requested of the special group of sea-going passengers was a donation towards Largs RNLI to help them continue their lifesaving which raised £216.

Clyde Charters had a busy season operating trips on Tonka around the Clyde and decided they wanted to give something back and say a special thank you the NHS staff and other key workers who have been working throughout the pandemic.

On Wednesday 29 September, Tonka departed from the James Watt Dock Marina taking NHS and key workers out to the wreck of the MV Captayannis, locally known as the ‘Sugar Boat’. The trips took place throughout the day and were a massive success and greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all who took part. Many of the passengers have since contacted Clyde Charters to thank them for the experience, explaining how informative the trip was and how much they learned on the day.

Ronnie Doolan, owner of Clyde Charters, said: “My wife is an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse and worked through the busiest of the pandemic last year when the hospitals were overwhelmed.

“I seen how hard it was for her and her colleagues so I started offering free trips for nurses so they could enjoy a wee sail on the Clyde and get some fresh air and help them to relax. We are now living in a ‘new’ normal and I think it’s important we show our appreciation to those who helped us get here.”

In return for the free trip on Tonka the passengers were asked to make a donation to Largs RNLI. Ronnie, who lives in Skelmorlie with his wife Jacqueline, who is originally from Largs, understands how important fundraising is to allow the RNLI to continue saving lives at sea and is delighted passengers were so generous with their donations, raising a fantastic £216 to help Largs RNLI continue their lifesaving work.

Notes to editors

· Additional photos available on Clyde Charters Facebook page – www.facebook.com/clydecharters

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