Rib Run to raise vital funds

A FLEET of speedboats will cross the English channel in May in a fundraising endurance voyage for the RNLI.

Up to 50 crew on board 15 ribs (rigid inflatable boats) will set off from Kinsale at 8am on May 5.

They will spend up to 12 hours at sea in tough conditions to complete the 400-nautical mile voyage to Aberystwyth.

This year’s event was launched by Ted Crosbie, the vice chairman of Irish Examiner owners, Thomas Crosbie Holdings.

Organisers asked Mr Crosbie to perform the launch because of his lifelong love of sailing.

Mr Crosbie was Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club around the time of Cork 800 in the mid-1980s.

Over the last seven years, the Rib Run has raised more than €270,000 for the RNLI and the South Coast trawler tragedy appeal.

Event chairman David O’Leary paid tribute to those taking part and said he hopes the public will support them as generously as they have in the past.

“All crews pay their own expenses ensuring that every cent raised goes to the charity,” he said.

“Last year, when the Rib Run returned from Aberystwyth, the crews were at sea for over 12 hours in very demanding conditions.”

The Rib Run is supported by Carrigaline-based Excalibur Ribs, who provide technical assistance, The Trident Hotel, Castlepark Marina, Bandon Office Supplies and the helicopter pilots and owners who donate the support craft for free.

- www.kinsaleribrun.org and sponsorship cards are available from any committee member.

Picture: Ted Crosbie launches the rib run with Temba Jere, Ian Fitzgerald and (right) Nick Searls. Also included are Ashley Smyth, Eileen Kearney, Paula O’Sullivan, Paul St Leger, David O’Leary, and Jon Mathers. Picture: Larry Cummins