Baltic Exchange was proud to host volunteers from RNLI Salcombe last week at a special luncheon held at The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers Hall in London. Welcomed by Baltic Exchange Chief Executive Mark Jackson and Chairman Guy Hindley, the event was a celebration of a relationship that spans more than 150 years.

Baltic Exchange's enduring support for the RNLI began in 1868 and has included a close and ongoing connection with the Salcombe Lifeboat Station since 1962. That legacy continues today through shared events, fundraising efforts, and the current Tamar-class lifeboat, The Baltic Exchange III, which was purchased in 2008 thanks to over half a million pounds raised by the Exchange and its members.

In a moment of reflection and appreciation during the coffee service, a handcrafted replica of The Baltic Exchange II was presented to the Exchange via CEO Mark Jackson.

This year’s London visit follows the long-standing tradition of alternating annual gatherings, with Salcombe volunteers visiting the city and Baltic members making the journey to Salcombe, often during Regatta Week, for a fundraising weekend to support the lifeboat station.

Speaking at the luncheon, Mark Jackson reaffirmed the Baltic’s commitment to supporting maritime safety and the RNLI:

“This is not just a lunch - it’s a moment to reaffirm and celebrate the deep and longstanding relationship between the Baltic Exchange and the RNLI. The Tamar-class lifeboat The Baltic Exchange III, based at Salcombe, carries our name, but more significantly, it carries the commitment of the Baltic Exchange community.”

In 2023, the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation donated £40,000 to the RNLI, following a successful St Andrew’s Day fundraising lunch hosted by the Baltic Exchange Caledonian Society, which raised a further £11,000. The combined £51,000 is supporting the new Salcombe Lifeboat Fund, helping to ensure that lifesaving operations in the region continue for years to come.

Baltic Exchange has also introduced a regular RNLI update in the Baltic Briefing, keeping members informed about the charity’s lifesaving work throughout the year.

You can learn more about the Baltic Exchange’s support for the RNLI here.