Matt Ellis has passed out as helm at Rye Harbour. He is the third crew-member to achieve this level since April this year, strengthening the Harbour team. Congratulations came from all the crew who have worked alongside Matt: it is not a solo enterprise.
Matt, from Rye, was inspired to join up as a volunteer because he had always been involved in water activities and is a keen sailor. He realised the important role that the RNLI played in saving lives at sea and teaching the public to respect the water and wanted to give back to this dedicated charity by getting involved. He had spent 12 years in the Army before retiring as a Captain in 2012 and was used to working in a team that shared the same goals: a good background for the RNLI.
Stuart Clark, a new recruit last November and now fully-qualified crew-member commented: “Matt has been an inspiration to all the crew, especially the trainees, from day one. His dedication and commitment to learning and training are an example to us all. The confidence, clarity and cool head that he brings to even the most tense situations means that we are in safe hands with our newest helm.”
Matt summed up the day: “The modular programme delivered by the RNLI ensures that I’ve been trained and gained practice in every type of situation and event that I and my crew might face. The pass-out today is the final assessment of these modules and I felt as though I was fully prepared. I look forward to supporting RNLI Rye Harbour and my community as helm on the Atlantic 85. We couldn’t do what we do without the continued support of the community and the general public.”
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .