Spirit of Surfski 2 blessed:

The Blessing of Spirit of Surfski 2, the second rescue boat that has been donated to NSRI with funds raised by the surfski community, took place at Fish Hoek Lifesavers Club at 18h00 today.The 6,5 metre Sea Rescue boat will be based at Simon’s Town.Surfski race organiser Billy Harker got the surfski community to join hands and stand behind the NSRI by raising funds for Sea Rescue after paddler Casper Kruger was rescued in False Bay in 2007. A huge search was launched for Casper when he failed to make the finish of a race in Gordon’s Bay, and he was eventually found clinging to his ski just before the sun set.This incident inspired many members of the surfski community to donate to NSRI via a monthly debit order, thus raising funds for the 5,5 metre Sea Rescue boat, Spirit of Surfski, which has been based at Gordon’s Bay since 2010.“Today there are 2700 monthly donations of R25 from Surfski paddlers who contribute to this initiative, and we can all be proud of what we have collectively raised for this worthy cause,” said Billy Harker.“For me, the best thing is to see this work made visible with our second NSRI craft on the water, Spirit of Surfski 2.”“We look forward to 2015 when we will be putting two more Sea Rescue craft on the water. Spirit of Surfski 3 will go to the Durban NSRI station and Spirit of Surfski 4 will go to the Port Elizabeth volunteers,” said Billy.Pictures are available for download from Sea Rescue's Flickr page. Billy Harker during the ceremony. NSRI Simon's town station commander, Darren Zimmerman thanks the surfski community for their support of Sea Rescue. Tracey Harker during the tradition of Blessing the boat. Surfski paddlers gather around the Spirit of Surfski 2 for the ceremony are addressed by NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson. Tracey and Billy Harker hand the keys of Surfski 2 to NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson and Darren Zimmerman on behalf of the surfski community. Tracey, Billy and little Charley Joe Harker with the Simon's Town volunteers and Spirit of Surfski 2.