95. Gone Kayaking: Elaine Gray

Meet the Devon fundraiser who’s been sailing for nearly 100 years

Elaine Gray began sailing when she was just 3 years old. Her love of the water remains a constant, and even at 100, Elaine still paddles in her kayak around Salcombe Harbour. Generations have followed in her footsteps – her daughter is a keen sailor, and her grandson is part of the crew at Salcombe Lifeboat Station. 

In 2022, Elaine had planned to do a kayaking challenge to raise funds for the RNLI, but was thwarted by bad weather. After this recording, in September 2023, Elaine picked up her paddle once more. Undeterred and another year sprightlier, the centenarian got back in the water, kayaking from Whitestrand to the old lifeboat station at South Sands. Alongside her was the Salcombe RNLI lifeboat. And on board, watching on proudly, was her grandson, Jeff. 

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI

Interview by the RNLI's Eleanor Driscoll

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200