Bembridge Offshore Lifeboat coxswain Steve Simmonds, left, receives the £3,000 cheque from Wight Spirit skipper and co-owner Stefan Mieczkowski. Picture by Chris Thwaites.
ETERNALLY grateful for being rescued by Bembridge Lifeboat, Bembridge Sailing Club member Craig Pennington raised more than £3,000 for the appeal to provide a new lifeboat station.
Bembridge Lifeboat rushed to help Wight Spirit three years ago, after she was dismasted in the eastern Solent, 11 miles south of the Nab Tower light with five people, including Craig, aboard.
Lifeboat media officer John Keyworth said: "After towing the yacht into Portsmouth Harbour, arriving seven hours after launching, thanks and goodbyes were exchanged and the lifeboat returned to Bembridge.
"But this was not the end, as far as the Wight Spirit crew were concerned and ways were thought of to thank the Bembridge Lifeboat crew. Eventually it was decided to take part in the 2009 Fastnet Race and being sponsored was a fitting way to show their gratitude."
On a blustery Saturday last week, the crew of Wight Spirit, with friends and family, came to the temporary lifeboat station at Bembridge and presented a cheque for £3,005 for the appeal.
Lifeboat coxswain Steve Simmonds said: "Although it is not unusual for thanks and donations to be made following a rescue, it is the first time I can recall anyone we have rescued then completing a 750-nautical-mile race through some of the most challenging sea conditions — and then through the generosity of many being able to give us such a magnificent sum.
"It certainly is a reward for all of us at Bembridge."
• Further details and how to assist the Bembridge Lifeboat appeal can be found at www.rnli.org.uk/bembridgeappeal
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk