Page 70 - Masthead - Salcombe Yacht Club 2019 Yearbook

68 SYC Stories
SALCOMBE LIFEBOAT CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY IN 2019
The first Salcombe (and Hope Cove) Lifeboat, the “Rescue”, was launched from Dodbrooke Quay in Kingsbridge on September 21st 1869. She was donated by Sir Richard Durant (of Sharpham) and housed a couple of years later in the first Lifeboat House at South Sands on land donated by the Earl of Devon.
Since those early days of oar and sail power, Salcombe has had 10 further lifeboats and we now have two based here; the all-weather lifeboat “The Baltic Exchange III” and the inshore lifeboat “Gladys Hilda Musto”.
The technology and capability of the lifeboats has changed dramatically over
the last 150 years but the bravery and commitment of the crew remains the same. Salcombe Lifeboats launched 66 times in 2017 (a record) and this year’s run rate is comparable. There is a mix of services between those to commercial vessels from inshore to right out in the shipping lanes, pleasure vessels of all types, and medical and other emergencies. Over the past
150 years, the Lifeboat has become a core part of what makes Salcombe special and its activities are supported by a strong team of shore helpers, launching officers, fundraisers and other voluntary supporters.
The 150th year will be marked by a series of events organised alongside clubs (including SYC), schools, businesses
and associations. The aim is to enthuse and involve as many as possible and, particularly, to strengthen the links between Salcombe RNLI and the rest of the
South Hams. The year’s celebrations will culminate with a festival weekend over the actual anniversary date (21st September, 2019) involving a Yellow Welly Ball, Lifeboat fleet review, RNLI bazaar and a church
service and Town parade. We will also be unveiling commemorative sculptures in Kingsbridge and in Salcombe.
Please continue with your support and join us in celebrating our big birthday, and if you wish to become involved with what we do please contact Mark Dowie (mark. dowie@rnli.org.uk) or the Station.