Jack Riley commissioned

The biggest craft in Sea Rescue’s fleet was commissioned at Gordons Bay today. The Jack Riley, named after the businessman and stalwart NSRI supporter, officially went into service after the ceremony held at the Naval college.The 14 metre beauty, which according to Station Commander Nigel Pepperell cruises at 21 knots and has a range of 500 nautical miles, cut a fine profile as she powered out of the harbor to the applause of the guests.Sponsor, Mrs Irene Riley, was strapped into a seat on the first trip that the guests enjoyed, as was Hilton Foster, MTU representative, who kindly donated the engines.“ She is beautiful,” grinned Mrs Riley as she was helped off the big boat.Perhaps the words of Pastor Leon Van Rensberg, a new crewman at the station, who did the blessing, reflect the feelings of the volunteers; “ I hope she will be the guardian of False Bay,” he said.See our Flickr page for more pictures of the Commissioning.