Harwich RNLI volunteers escort young sailors off on voyage of discovery
The volunteers of Harwich RNLI were delighted to be able to escort two sailing vessels from the Tall Ships Youth Trust that were embarking on a four-day voyage of discovery to Portsmouth, crewed by young novice sailors supported by the Harwich Mayor’s charity.
On Tuesday 9 August, lifeboats from Harwich RNLI joined Harwich Haven Authority pilot vessels, and an Essex Police Marine vessel in escorting sailing vessels Challenger 2 and Challenger 3 from the Tall Ships Youth Trust, as they departed Harwich.
The Tall Ships Youth Trust, formed in 1956, is the UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity, striving to support the personal development of 12-25 year olds from all walks of life, through the crewing of ocean-going vessels.
Youngsters from Harwich, who would normally not have access to such an adventure, will be part of the four-day voyage to Portsmouth thanks to support from Ivan Henderson as Harwich Mayor, through the Mayor’s charitable fund. Mayor Henderson said of the event:
‘The Harwich lifeboats certainly made the departure something to remember for those young people, their parents, and everyone else who watched from the Quay.
'The young sailors are due to arrive in Portsmouth this Saturday 13 August, having grown in confidence and self-esteem, while discovering by working as a team, they can overcome any barrier and thrive.'
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact:
Richard Wigley, RNLI Harwich volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected],
Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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