BSACANNIVERSARY
Ashbourne SAC never miss a branding opportunity
Edward Haynes , Eugene Farrell , Tony Marshall , Shun Hosokowa of BSAC Japan , Jong Sub Park of BSAC Korea
The flotilla peeled off at Tower RNLI station , where BSAC ’ s Chair , Edward Haynes , presented a £ 1,001 cheque to the charity . The return voyage included a stop at Butler ’ s Wharf for refreshments and an opportunity to admire Tower Bridge from river level . In addition to the UK-based clubs taking part were representatives of BSAC Japan and BSAC Korea .
BSAC ’ s Adrian Collier had come up with the initial idea after his own club , Bingham BSAC , couldn ’ t get a place on the Menai Boat Run . “ I decided to take this legacy event and run one in the south of the country ,” said Adrian . “ We roped in Lisa Shafe to start the planning for the event in October . I came in to project manage , as Lisa could not attend the event itself due to a prior commitment .
“ As a RNLI volunteer as well as a BSAC member , I knew it was feasible ,” says Lisa .
“ The organisation certainly had a few challenges but we worked with the PLA ( Port of London Authority ) to find solutions that were both practical for RIBs designed for diving as well as meeting their requirements .”
Among the flotilla were divers from Bingham Sub Aqua Club , including paralyzed athlete Dan Metcalfe , who inspired his fellow members by recently qualifying as an Open Water Instructor . “ On the day there were things that did not happen to plan ,” Adrian said . “ We had to think fast and be flexible . The Bingham RIB was not ready to use , but the other crews took us all in . Big thank you to all the boats and especially Bushy Divers .”
Early feedback suggests that the participants all had a great time , the result of many hours of behind-the-scenes planning to ensure the event satisfied the guidelines set by the Port of London Authority . �
RIBs arrive at Tower Lifeboat Station
Dan Metcalfe of Bingham SAC
Participating clubs
Bingham SAC Cardiff BSAC Ashbourne SAC Bushey and Borehamwood SAC Octopus Divers North Oxfordshire SAC Havering and Ilford BSAC Medway SAC Brentwood Selo North Gloucestershire BSAC East Cheshire SAC Vale Royal SAC BSAC Japan BSAC Korea RNLI – Tower RNLI – Gravesend Levitt Boat – Romeo Lima
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( l-r ), Carline Deal , Edward Haynes , Emma James and Tony Marshall
Thanks to ...
# hammonddrysuits for the donated dry bags for each club Port of London Authority Levitts Boats Erith Yacht Club Chole Rollings for her photos