The Tribune

THE Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association is looking to its annual grand raffle and star prize to raise funds for a much-needed boat hoists at its headquarters on East Bay Street, one of its major projects for 2015.

For the fifth successive year, Breitling has donated a $6,370 chronometer to BASRA – the Bahamas’ only dedicated volunteer search and rescue organisation – as the grand prize for the association’s raffle as it celebrates 51 years of continuous service.

“Breitling’s generous donation for the raffle is a critical part of our annual fundraising,” said BASRA Commodore Loran Pyfrom this week. “With this amazing Breitling prize, we’re able to raise a further $15,000 of vital funds. You have to remember that for the most part we depend on the generosity of the community. We’re very fortunate to have Breitling’s continued support this year. Besides the value of tickets sold, their prize was also the star attraction at our annual fundraising event and drew supporters to it.

Regional Marketing Executive for Little Switzerland and the Breitling Boutique, Wellington Seymour, said Breitling was pleased with the partnership. “As the Montbrillant timepiece is very special timepiece in the Breitling family, we thought it only fitting to present this timepiece as a show of our support to BASRA and the volunteers that help rescue distressed seamen and air pilots,” he said.

According to BASRA Operations Manager Chris Lloyd, the organisation has an ongoing need to fund an annual budget in excess of $130,000.

“We use these funds to remain operational. Every year our fuel, maintenance and utility costs increase. This year one major goal is to raise enough funds to purchase boat hoists for our fleet,” said Mr Lloyd.

“We’re relocating the fleet close to Bay Street Marina near the BASRA HQ where they’ll be more accessible for maintenance and fast response. Raising the rescue vessels out of the water on hoists will cut our ongoing maintenance costs. With clean hulls the fleet will be faster and better prepared for action. Hoists will keep our investment in the vessels safer and will increase their lifespan. Our main rescue vessel, Lady Pearl, is a heavy boat so a hoist for her will cost at least $20,000.”

This year BASRA used funds to improve their property at their headquarters on East Bay Street and last year spent $7,500 to upgrade its radios, antennas and wiring on the tall tower at its base.

“Keeping the building, grounds, vessels and equipment up to standard is important,” said Commodore Pyfrom. “If we don’t maintain now, it’ll be more costly in the future. We also use the base as an education facility where classes can be held. Professional trainers use it and BASRA uses it to hold classes for young students to educate them on boating safety. Our Safe Boating Course is a great service that we believe will save lives when these young students get out on the water.”

Mr Lloyd explained how BASRA faces a never-ending need for funds. “BASRA also supports volunteers on other islands,” he said. “For example, one year its board felt it was best to purchase a marine VHF radio, amplifier and antenna for our volunteers in Clarence Town on Long Island. One our largest purchases in recent years, was the vessel “Rescue One”, a 27-foot Boston Whaler Vigilant with Bombardier Etec engines. The five years of support from Breitling, and the funds from our fundraising event and the programme advertising are essential for our ongoing operations.”

Commodore Pyfrom said how fortunate BASRA has been to have so many generous volunteers and patrons throughout its 51-year history. “We can’t forget how generous our individual patrons and partners have been over the years,” he said. “The great individuals include Sir Durward Knowles, Ben and Helen Astarita, ‘Uncle’ Bo Burns, Capt John Fisk, and Sir Gerald Cash. The local companies are too numerous to list, and we’re grateful to all of them. And we can’t forget the tremendous contributions made by the US Coast Guard, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Air Pilots of the Nassau Flying Club, the DEA, AUTEC, Nick and Carolyn Wardle at SEARCH, and the many BASRA volunteers who have risked life and limb to save others.”

BASRA’s annual Grand Raffle was launched in November at the “Anchors Aweigh” fundraising evening at John Watling’s Estate. Tickets for a chance to win the Breitling Montbrillant grand prize can be purchased until 1pm on Christmas Eve when BASRA will draw the winning ticket at the Breitling Boutique.