The RNLI to enjoy a second year as the official charity for Cowes Week in 2010
08:00 Wednesday 10 Feb 2010 Michelle Warner
The organisers of Cowes Week are once again showing their support for the charity that saves lives at sea by selecting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as their official charity for 2010.
In supporting the RNLI for the second year running, Cowes Week organisers recognise the charity's service to the sailing community in the busy waters of the Solent where the Cowes Week action takes place. All the money raised at the international sailing regatta will stay on the Isle of Wight, helping to fund the island's three lifeboat stations at Bembridge, Cowes and Yarmouth.
The regatta has been staged each August since 1826 (except during the two world wars) and attracts participants and spectators from all over the world. The event has become an integral part of British maritime culture, much like the RNLI, which is only two years older.
Last year, the volunteer RNLI crew at Cowes were kept busy during the regatta when around 900 yachts and 8,000 people took part in the week of races. Their inshore lifeboat launched six times to help competitors during the event.
The RNLI receives no UK Government funding and relies on donations from the public and the support of events such as Cowes Week to maintain its maritime search and rescue service. Its volunteer crew members are on call 24 hours a day and are willing to risk their own lives to save others at sea around the coast of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
The RNLI's Director of Fundraising and Communication, David Brann, says:
‘The RNLI is proud to be the official charity of Cowes Week 2010. We welcome the chance to engage directly with the sailing community in Cowes and hope to encourage regular financial support for the charity that saves lives at sea through RNLI membership.
‘We hope our week-long programme of fundraising activity in and around Cowes Parade and the Yacht Haven will help raise money to safeguard the RNLI's rescue service in and around the Solent while also providing some fun and entertainment for all visitors to the regatta.'
Michelle Warner, Sales and Marketing Director for Cowes Week Limited, said: ‘We are delighted to continue our partnership with the RNLI in recognition of their outstanding service to the sailing community and the invaluable support given to Cowes over many years. We look forward to building on last year's success.'
