The volunteer crew at Burnham on Crouch RNLI lifeboat station are using their lifesaving skills on an unusual casualty – they’re fixing up an abandoned sailing boat to raise money for the Boathouse Appeal.

The Hunter 19 Barangoola is being restored to her former glory by local crew members and will be raffled at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show in January 2010 to raise money for the station’s Floating Boathouse Appeal.

The Boating on a Budget Project is the brainchild of David Lewin, a former President of the British Marine Federation and resident of Burnham on Crouch. David has always enjoyed sailing and is extremely keen to encourage more people, of all ages, to take up the activity.

Speaking about the project, he said: ‘The plan is to promote safe, enjoyable boating on a budget, primarily to the starter market as these are the people we need to attract to the sport and at the same time raise money for the Boathouse Appeal at Burnham on Crouch RNLI.’

With a little TLC and a lot of elbow grease, the crew aim to get Barangoola shipshape. The equipment and fittings are being donated by the companies that make them or funded by donations from the public. Without these donations the repairs would cost in the region of £5,000.

Dick Rycroft, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We’re having a lot of fun with it. We’ve stripped the fittings and taken I don’t know how many layers of paint off. She’s been resprayed and we’ve now got to reconstruct the interior.’

Visitors to the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show will not only be able to inspect the crew’s handiwork when Barangoola goes on display, they’ll also have the chance to become the boat’s new owner. Raffle tickets to win the 19ft sailing boat will be sold for £5 each, with all the proceeds going towards the Floating Boathouse Appeal.

As the Barangoola is aimed at people new to the sport, the prize will also include a copy of the RNLI’s Sea Safety: The Complete Guide and a SEA Check by the RNLI’s sea safety volunteers who will help the new owners stay safe when they go out on the water.  Lifejackets, waterproof clothing and RYA training vouchers will also be given away with the boat.

Efforts to raise money for Burnham’s new floating boathouse have been stepped up after the fundraising target rose from £50,000 to £130,000 when the value of a legacy from an anonymous donor covering the majority of the cost decreased due to the current economic climate.

To find out more about the Boating on a Budget project click here