Fundraising for the RNLI
Helford Passage has been raising funds for the RNLI for over a decade. The Regatta started as an event in 1982 with rowing and beach sports races just for fun, set up by the Ferry Boat Inn to provide entertainment for holidaymakers and locals alike. Over the years, the pub introduced various fundraising ideas, then in 2007 the current committee took over running the Regatta and began to fundraise in earnest. With most of the Regatta’s events being water-based, and so many locals and visitors regularly going out on the water, everyone felt the beneficiary of the fundraising should be the RNLI – in recognition of the year-round commitment and bravery shown by the crews protecting all water-users in the area, whether at work or play.
The Regatta has always been run by volunteers as a free event, costs covered by race sponsorship and advertising so that funds raised through the stalls, raffle and tombola can go to the RNLI. Raffle and tombola prizes are generously donated by local businesses and families, and voluntary donations are collected from visitors throughout the day.
The RNLI themselves help out with the fundraising by drawing spectators to the Regatta. In the early days, we were treated to the most amazing safety displays with a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose joining the RNLI lifeboat. More recently the helicopter hasn’t been able to join in, but the annual display by the inshore lifeboat remains a highlight of the day and a firm favourite, particularly delighting all the children who are allowed to clamber all over the lifeboat and learn more about it from the crew, before it shows us what it’s made of in the water!
We are forever grateful to all those who generously support us in making the day such a success every year. Over the past 15 years, Helford Passage Regatta has proudly raised over £22,000 for Falmouth RNLI lifeboat station and we are delighted they have posted an article about us on their website here.
Helford Passage Regatta Committee
