Station 31, Still Bay, had its official naming ceremony on Saturday 28 November. The weather cleared up beautifully and most of NSRI’s Directors were able to attend the function as their board meeting was held in Mossel Bay the day before.
It was a short, solemn ceremony, attended by the crew and invited guests. After all were welcomed by Station Commander Enrico Menezies, our Chairman , Peter Bacon, talked about the contribution that Geoff Myburgh had made to Sea Rescue.
The base was blessed and Geoff’s widow, Helen, lifted the blind revealing the Geoff Myburgh Rescue Base name plate.
See more pictures at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue/?saved=1
Geoffrey Myburgh :
Geoffrey Myburgh passed away at the age of 81, on 2nd March 2010.
He is survived by his wife Helen , three children and five grandchildren.
Geoff had a great love of the sea and started his sailing career in 1947 from Kalk bay on “Spindrift” a gaff rigged 25 footer designed by Norman Ross of the RCYC.
When the Lipton Cup Challenge was revived in 1952 he sailed for RCYC on “Sea Swallow” and subsequently competed often in the event. He was a trustee for the Lipton Cup for some 20 years and when not competing was chairman of the jury.
He started dinghy sailing in 1951 at ZVYC, crewing with renowned skippers such as Joyce, Bongers and Burnwood and represented South Africa at the 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne as well as the FD worlds in1958.
Geoff served on the committee of RCYC and very many years on the ZVYC committee becoming commodore, president and then patron.
He always had a keen interest in junior training which he started at ZVYC.
Geoff helped with the construction of the first 20 Optimists at ZVYC in 1971 and received the SA Sports Merit Award as a coach in 1977.
He was involved in the administration of various classes and was principal race officer and chairman of organising committees for many major events.He became an International Judge in 1982 and travelled the world in this regard.
He served on the SAS appeals committee since it’s inception and introduced the Laser class of boats into the country in 1973, and sailed many World championships winning several Master’s trophies in the class.
His daughter Felicity represented SA four times in the Windsurfer Class.
He was one of the founders of the NSRI of which he became financial director, chairman and life governor . Geoff was presented with a Meritorious Award by SASAR for his dedication, passion and contribution to maritime search and rescue services.
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