Elite Marine Services duo tackle Coast to Coast challenge for the RNLI
Elite Racing Plymouth, Lewis Huddy and Steve Putt, will be attempting a non-stop 120-mile sailing trip from the Cornish south coast to the north coast, raising money for the RNLI
Lewis and Steve will be enduring the spring seas onboard an inflatable catamaran, Thundercats. They will be setting off from Plymouth (Mayflower Steps) at 9am on Saturday 16 April escorted on their first leg of the journey by Plymouth RNLI lifeboat, and aim to reach Newquay the same day, 120 miles later. They will have a safety support RIB alongside them to help with fuel and in case of emergency.
The pair, who run their own marine engineering business in Plymouth, Devon, have always wanted to complete this passage and are eager to raise money and increase awareness for the RNLI.
Lewis and Steve founded their marine engineering business two years ago and have been building their reputation, specialising in electrical and mechanical repairs, as well as installation from small leisure boats to large commercial vessels.
Being keen water sports enthusiasts, Lewis and Steve, both 34 and based in Plymouth, are under no illusion that the seas may be wild and the winds strong, making it a very challenging trip in a 4-metre inflatable Catamaran.
Lewis says, ‘We've raced our boat Thundercats since 2016 with numerous podiums and titles. The sport has taken us around the world racing in Gibraltar, Sri Lanka, Dublin and last year the incredible Maldives where we represented the UK in their first ever international powerboat race – we’re excited for our next challenge.’
Ellie Walker, RNLI Community Manager says, ‘It’s been a very difficult and challenging year for RNLI fundraising. I’m delighted that Elite Marine Services Plymouth have chosen to support the RNLI and attempt this non-stop journey from Plymouth to Newquay.'
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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