PADSTOW RNLI TO BENEFIT FROM AN ANCIENT MARINER

At 76, Jem Tetley from Cornwall believes he will be the oldest skipper in this years AZAB Race from Falmouth to The Azores and back. What's more, he'll be competing in one of the oldest yachts! Carte Blanche, a Swan 36, is a mere forty years old and together they make a formidable team - Jem has owned her since 1970 and knows her inside out.

This year Jem, who has taken part in the AZAB Race 4 times before, will be raising money for the RNLI and in particular, the Padstow Lifeboat Station Appeal. He took on the role of Chairman of the Appeal which has helped provide the funding for the new boathouse at Trevose Head, which houses Padstow's new Tamar class lifeboat. In fact Jem's association with the RNLI goes back many years - in 1967 he was elected onto the RNLI Committee of Management and became Vice President in 1978.

So why is he now undertaking such a tough double-handed race? Well he say's he not quite sure:

"My fellow crew member, Chris Vickery asked me if I would race with him and I said yes, becuaseeven in old age you mustn't give up must you? Carte Blanche is a proven sea boat with a heavy keel that means she can cope with most weathers. I've been with her in a force 10 and she performs brilliantly."

"I now hope people will recognise the challenge we are facing and will show their support by giving to the RNLI, and Padstow in particular. I'd like to raise thousands rather than hundreds, especially as it costs £1,000 a year to train one volunteer crew member."

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me. The RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page, please dig deep and sponsor me online. Your donation could make all the difference when saving lives at sea.

More information on the AZAB Race can be found at www.azab.co.uk

Many thanks for your support - Jem Tetley