Channel crossing a life-saving trip

A FLEET of small boats battled gales and high swells yesterday to cross the English channel to raise money for the lifeboats.

Up to 80 crew on board 17 rigid inflatable boats, or ribs, set off from Kinsale in Co Cork bound for Milford Haven in Britain just after 8am as part of the fifth annual Rib Run.

They arrived into Neyland marina near Milford Haven just after 6pm.

It’s hoped the 300-nautical mile passage will raise up to €100,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Train One — Save Many campaign.

Four boats joined the fleet in Dunmore East just after noon, but four other boats had to remain in harbour after experiencing minor technical hitches.

Chairman Ashley Smyth, from Bandon, said it had been a tough crossing. “We had Force 5 gales and swells of up to three metres, but it all went very well,” he said.

All crews pay their own expenses ensuring that every cent raised goes to the charity. Last year, the event raised €95,000 for the South Coast Trawler Tragedy appeal.

lwww.kinsaleribrun.org