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 for the volunteer organisation.
The annual Barrel Race is an event hosted by Point Yacht Club, organised jointly with the Bluff Yacht Club, Island Sailing Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club.
Fundraising activities included a beach party at PYC’s beach site, a fine dining event at PYC, a party at Royal Natal Yacht Club and the main Barrel Day, which all clubs contributed to and participated in.
In addition to the events, the money was raised through various donations, including the generous contributions from Seaport Supply, Offshore Sailing Academy, Dockleveller Supplies, Décorland and Alexander Cox Attorneys.
The money raised will go towards helping NSRI with their maintenance, which is a constant drain on finances, as well as adding to their savings towards a new 12-metre rescue boat, ehich they are hoping to launch in Durban this year.
“Local support for sea rescue is critical. 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 and make sure that we always have fuel, excellent personal protective equipment, such as wet suits and life jackets, as well as carrying out general maintenance,” said Clifford Ireland, the Station 5 Station Commander.
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 coastal waters. This year the Barrel Race, hosted by all of the Durban yacht clubs, will be held on Sunday, 28 June.
For more information visit the yacht clubs’ websites.
