We are sure that a majority of Boaters will have been present at one or both of the illustrated talks given by Roger Taylor. In March 2010 and again in January of this year Roger spoke graphically with superb photography and video recording of his single handed voyages of a ‘Simple Sailor’ in his junk rigged corribee ‘Mingming’. These were undoubtedly two of the most informative and exciting talks presented at Boaters in recent years.
In lieu of his expenses Boaters added to the collection taken at Roger’s recent visit and were able to present a cheque for £125 in support of the independently run Hope Cove Lifeboat in South Devon, an area well known to many boaters who have sailed on a regular basis on passages from Plymouth marinas. The donation was further enhanced to £160 through charitable giving.
Why Hope Cove?
Boaters have made numerous payments over the years to various lifeboat stations around the country. Having instigated Roger’s visits we suggested to the committee that Hope Cove Lifeboat would be a cause worthy of support.
Hope Cove Lifeboat – a potted history
There has been a lifeboat in Hope Cove since 1878. The original one, together with the boathouse, was presented to the village by the Masons. Between 1878 and 1930 it was used in numerous rescues, saving many lives. Since 1960 the rescue boat has been managed by the Maritime Coastguard Authority (MCA).
During the last 50 years there has been a significant increase in the number of recreational craft enjoying the delights ofBigburyBayincluding yachts, dinghies, power boats, dive boats, kayaks, windsurfers and paddle boats. The rescue boat has played a huge role in helping to protect all these users as well as swimmers from the dangers of the sea.
In 2008 however, the Hope Cove Lifeboat, which had been deemed unseaworthy by the MCA, sparked a major controversy after it was launched without permission to save the life of a girl swimmer in trouble 200 yards off the beach. The crew had been told to await help from nearby Salcombe lifeboat but feared it would not arrive in time. The boat was then confiscated by the MCA and following a protracted review the MCA deemed it unnecessary for a lifeboat to operate from Hope Cove and withdrew the service. However, the local community rallied in support and a huge fundraising campaign was mounted to save the local service. A public meeting was held which led to the formation of a privately operated lifeboat service similar to 63 others dotted around the coast line of Great Britain. This activity produced a suitable replacement vessel which was dedicated by the local clergy in May 2011. The lifeboat became fully operational on 21st May having completed all its testing and meeting all requirements of the MCA to be recognised as part of the search and rescue services for the region.
Independent funding of many such services is all too common nowadays as consecutive Government cutbacks begin to take effect and is a measure of the future. It is expected that the annual running costs of this RIB is approx. £20,000. However, in 2013 it is likely that the current re-conditioned vessel will need to be replaced. A capital investment of some £60,000 would be necessary to purchase a new boat and substantial progress has already been made in raising this sum.
We were privileged to be present at both the formal blessing and dedication service and at the maiden voyage of the lifeboat. The directors of the charity have expressed their great appreciation of the contribution made by Boaters to this worthy cause.
Roger Taylors books ‘The Voyages of a Simple Sailor’ and ‘Mingming the Art of Minimal Ocean Sailing’ and information on his voyages can be obtained through his website www.thesimplesailor.com.
Ivor &Judith Stephenson
