Crew members from Salcombe RNLI were welcomed to the Royal Thames Yacht Club as guest of their long-time supporter the Baltic Exchange, for a special charity dinner sponsored by the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation. The occasion celebrated an enduring relationship; the Baltic Exchange has supported the RNLI since 1868 and has had a particularly close association with the Salcombe lifeboats in particular since 1962.

That support has continued across the decades and remains an important part of Salcombe RNLI’s future.

Events such as this past week’s dinner have helped sustain that commitment, with the evening raising in excess of £400k.

The funds will go towards the new Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat, due to arrive in Salcombe mid-2027.

It will be named ‘Baltic Exchange IV’ continuing a proud tradition and the long-standing relationship between the Baltic Exchange and Salcombe RNLI.

The guest speaker for the evening was the world-famous photographer David Yarrow, who offered guests a fascinating insight into the world of photography and the experiences behind the images.

David also supported the fundraising effort by generously donating a framed photograph to the auction, adding another memorable element to an evening of, generosity and support for the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

Organisers said a special thank you to: Richard Fulford Smith, for sponsoring the RNLI Crew table, donating a Wentworth Golf Club experience and purchasing an item at auction, The Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation, The David Yarrow Foundation, Mark Jackson- Mr & Mrs Petropoulo, Mike Robson, The Knowles Family, The Hindley Family- Mr and Mrs Charles Maltby and The Royal Automobile Club.

The Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation (BECF) is a charitable incorporated organisation which brings together the established range of historic Baltic charities under one umbrella.

It was formed after many years of service to the maritime community by the merger of the Baltic Exchange Charitable Society, the London Shipowners’ and Shipbrokers’ Benevolent Society (LSSBS), the Baltic Exchange Fund and the Bonno Krull Fund, as an independent charity supporting largely maritime causes for the benefit of the industry as a whole.