In June 2015 Nathaniel and Fergus Ogden sailed around Ireland in an open 18ft6 boat, a Drascombe Lugger. We did this in aid of the RNLI, the lifeboat charity that saves lives at sea.

There were several reasons for our circumnavigation. One is to support the relentless work of the RNLI volunteers, who in 2014 launched 1,089 times, bringing 1,414 people to safety, in Ireland alone. The lifeboat volunteers rely on public generosity to continue their great work, as donations fund 92% of their operations.

Another reason for our expedition was to help raise awareness for safety at sea. The number of lifeboat callouts for leisure craft has been increasing in recent years with the growing popularity of watersports. Last summer a Drascombe Lugger capsized off the West Cork coast, tragically drowning its skipper. The Baltimore lifeboat succeeded in rescuing the two remaining elderly crew who had spent a night seeking shelter on the cliffs of Castle Island. The reasons behind this calamity are not fully understood and sadly this is commonplace among accidents at sea, where simple mistakes and misfortunes can have terrible consequences.

The RNLI have expressed that the power of the sea should never be underestimated nor safety measures overlooked. Following months of preparation and many years’ sailing experience, we intend on sailing Ireland’s 1000 mile circumference in their open Drascombe to continue supporting the RNLI’s 190 years of saving lives at sea.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.