International Rescue Group Reserve

Two years ago Andre flew to France to see a boat we were interested in called Rendezvous Cay, to cut a long story short we decided against buying it and were doubtful it would ever leave France!

Can you imagine our surprise as we sailed into Meeks Patch, Eleuthera to see that very boat tied up alongside a 97 foot steel yacht called Thunderbird 5!  We had to find out how it got there and what it was doing there. Approaching the boat we met Captain Ray Thackeray of Thunderbird 5. He informed us the previous owner had donated it to his organization called International Rescue Group after we had decided not to buy her! What a small world.

Some four weeks later as we crossed the channel back from George Town to Rat Catcher and who should we see anchored off of Chat and Chill beach but Thunderbird 5. Stopping to say hi Ray informed us Rendezvous Cay had sailed down from Eleuthera to Haiti to deliver relief supplies and had then headed back to USA for repair and overhaul to be chartered as one of the IRG boat to generate income for the organization.

Good Run left

Capt Ray Thackeray

As Capt. Ray had sailed the route we were considering taking South, Andre and John from JODA made a plan to visit and pick his brains.  In doing so we discovered Ray is the founder of International Rescue Group (IRG) run solely on donations. Thunderbird 5 was packed with supplies destined for Haiti who is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Matthew. The organization owns 5 boats one of which is currently based in Haiti and would be receiving the donations to put to use. They are digging wells, putting roofs back on houses distributing medical supplies and other goods. In addition to the boats they own IRG has a growing group of Auxiliary or Reserve boats. Invited to dinner of an amazing triage of curries and awesome company we met the Captain and crew of Good Run, one of the reserve boats. 

Thiago

Tiago a Brazilian, who looks like the traditional pictures of Jesus and has a demeanor to match, is the proud owner and his friends Zack from USA and Emma from New Zealand are crew. They were rafted up alongside Thunderbird being filled with supplies for Haiti. Their home page is Good Run Sailing for Hope.

Dinner Guests

The dinner

Tiago had actually already had a fund raiser in USA and with the proceeds bought as many school supplies and other goods as he could to take to Haiti. Their travels brought them in contact with Capt. Ray the rest is history.

It didn't take long for Ray to convince both us to load supplies for our destination being Ilha de Vache onto Rat Catcher and Joda. That is how we became members of IRG Reserve.

The morning following dinner prior to setting sail South we ratted up against Thunderbird 5 and loaded a generator, a water maker, an 20 donated yacht sails, a folding bicycle, garden tools, various items including boat spares donated for the boat based in Haiti.

The generator will be used to drive the water maker which produces 2000 liters a day. Post disaster water requirements for maintaining life are calculated at 2 liters per person per day. This means this water maker will supply a village of 1000 people with fresh water daily.

The sails are for the traditional boats used by the Haitian fishermen. This their only means of propulsion, no motors no fuel even if there was they couldn't afford it. So sailors worldwide are asked to donate their used sails to "IRG" or "Sails for Sustenance". To be distributed.

The folding bike is for the local IRG go to man for his transport.

A huge container of roof nails. Garden tools including spades for the digging of the wells.

Joda was loaded with similar items.

Ray, Emma, Zack and Thiago
L-R

IRG's aims have boats around the world assisting with or responding to disaster. 

Being solely run on donations every dollar helps and if you can't assist with dollars how about spending some time aboard one of the boats at $20 a day which covers board and meals. 

Alternately run a fund raiser or  organize donations. 

Join IRG reserve and get involved, no costs to join.