Last night we joined the Surfski community in Durban at a commemorative race and blessing ceremony at the Durban Underwater Club.Blessing a boat is a very special occasion, it is a symbolic act where we name the vessel and pray for the safety of our crew and our casualties. The naming and blessing tradition is always done by a lady and she pours champagne as she recites the blessing. The prayer was then done by Rev Boet van Schalkwyk of the Sailors' Society.This is the third boat that the Surfski community has sponsored thanks to the enthusiasm and fundraising efforts of Billy Harker. A fourth one will soon be in service in Port Elizabeth.Billy was awarded the NSRI Marion Marsh Trophy, this year, for making an outstanding contribution to Sea Rescue through his 10 year campaign that has raised R3.5m for NSRI.
Tracy has now probably blessed more boats than anyone else in the history of Sea Rescue
Surski paddlers and Stand up paddlers joined in
Rev Boetie van Schalkwyk Pic: Lynne Hauptfleisch
Billy and Tracy Harker Pic: Lynne Hauptfleisch
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