New 10m in the Sea Rescue fleet, generously sponsored by the surfski community

****UPDATED****

Spirit of Surfski 5, the first 10m rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in our Sea Rescue fleethas been delivered to her new home, NSRI Station 4 Mykonos, and was officially named and blessed Saturday 9th September 2017.

We launched our 5th rescue boat that the Surfski community have generously sponsored thanks to the enthusiasm and ongoing fundraising efforts of Billy Harker and surfski paddlers around the country.Race organiser, Billy Harker, initially got the Surfski community to join hands and support NSRI by raising funds after paddler Casper Kruger was rescued in False Bay in 2007. An extensive and nail biting sea and air search was launched for Casper when he failed to make the finish of a race in Gordon’s Bay. He was eventually found clinging to his ski just as the sun set. This incident inspired members of the Surfski community to donate to NSRI via a monthly debit order and their contributions have totalled over R4.5 million to date.“Today there are over 2 600 debit order donations of R25 per month from Surfski paddlers, and we can all be proud of what we have collectively raised for this worthy cause,” says Billy.The official blessing ceremony took place on Saturday, 9 September 2017 at 9:30 at Station 4 Mykonos. A very special moment as we launched our new 10.6m rescue boat 'Spirit of Surfski 5'. We extend an enormous thank you to the surfski community who have funded a whole fleet of rescue craft through monthly donations. Casper and the Station 4 Mykonos crew hosted the event with typical west coast warm hospitality. Thank you Rob Meintjes for representing the surfski community and Cajsa Meintjes for naming her and pouring the champagne as part of the blessing. Happy birthday Cajsa and thank you for sharing your special day with us. Cajsa and Rob Meintjes representing the surfski community with Station Commander Casper Frylinck. 'May God bless her and all who sail on her.'The new 10.6m Cabin Class rescue boatThe hull is designed by Gemini and customised for NSRI search and rescue requirements.The tubes are made of solid foam covered in Hypalon. The advantages are that you don’t run the risk of a deflated tube, you can go alongside any vessel reducing the risk of damage, they can be repaired by removing a section and merely replacing it with a new section of solid foam. The tubes are glued and bolted on with an aluminium re-enforcing plate.The cabin is manufactured in aluminium and painted in standard NSRI colours.The cabin has flotation in the roof compartment to assist with the vessels self-righting capabilities, in conjunction with the standard self righting equipment on the rear rollbarThe crew of 6 will be seated in shock mitigating spring loaded seats, preventing whole body vibration - a trend across the globe.The cabin will have capacity for 4 survivors and equipment is located in the forehead section .The boat will have a total of 500L of fuel in two aluminium tanks allowing an operating time of up to 10hrs before refueling is required.Boat will be powered by 2x 250 HP 4/Stroke Yamaha Outboard engines.with power assisted steering,with a top speed of 35 knots.The transom will have a 4mm Aluminium plate mounted for extra strength and re-enforcingElectronics include 2 x 10’ Garmin plotters, 2 x ICOM VHF radios, 1 x trunking radio, radar, depth sounder, AIS unit, Spot Tracker tracking device, airconditioning, 4 x LED floodlights, 2 x handheld spotlights and LED lighting all round for power saving.Solid machined nylon Bailey Hatches manufactured in the UK as used by the RNLI are installed all round on the fuel fillers and the in deck rope locker.Station 4 also hosted their 50th anniversary celebration and Open Day from 11:30 to 18:00. Special thanks to Casper and his team at Station 4 Mykonos. At the public Open Day coxswain Morne Dettmer and his crew of Nic, Sheldon and David hosted the visitors with a short ride on her. A real treat and a memory we will all treasure. May she save many lives and keep our crew safe.