Dave Selby sets sail on Marlin’s Mission

TAGS: boating Cruising

The Mayor and Mayoress of Maldon braved the blustery conditions aboard the yacht Lyra last Saturday, 9 July, to wish Dave Selby ‘bon voyage’ as he sailed out of the harbour on Marlin’s Mission.

Dave, a member of Maldon Little Ship Club and a Practical Boat Owner contributor, is taking his 18ft Sailfish Marlin to the Southampton Boat show in easy stages by water to promote the joys of small boat ownership.

However as he is a sufferer of a rare viral neurological condition he is also using the voyage to raise money for the Guillain- Barre charity for research into this syndrome.

Dave was escorted out of Maldon by a flotilla of around 12 boats including members of the Maldon Little Ship Club (MLSC) and the Maldon Gig Rowing Club, providing a river spectacular for the hundreds of onlookers on the Quay and Prom as well as the wedding party aboard the sailing barge Hydrogen.

Dave’s first port of call was Bradwell and Lyra followed Marlin as far as Millbeach before returning to the Hythe where the Mayor and Mayoress disembarked.

Mayor Richie Miller said: ‘This had been a fantastic send off for Dave and we have thoroughly enjoyed the amazing experience of escorting him down river despite the blustery conditions. It is always good to promote Maldon’s wonderful waterfront and river in this way and we have been pleased to support Dave Selby for his courageous undertaking of Marlin’s Mission. We wish him well.’

The send-off was also supported by Deputy Mayor Jeanette Stilts and Councillor Peter Stilts who helped to crew Lyra down river.

You can follow Dave’s progress at pbo.co.uk/dave-selby and support his charity at www.justgiving.com/Dave-Selby-Marlins-Mission or contact John Rogers of MLSC on 01621 853841.