20th - 21st June 2009

Firstly I would like to thank Trevor and Mick for pulling additional mid week shifts in the last seven days, without you guys, we would have found it hard pressed to be on service for the Saturday & Sunday service.

Also, a big thank you goes out to Westend Marine for their rapid response, exceptional customer care and attention to detail in regards to providing us with a complete tailormade service in regards to replacement of our jetdrive.  CHEERS SAM, NICKY & ALL THE ENGINEERS THAT GOT STUCK IN!! 

Having completed an extensive job list to ensure we were ready for the weekend activities, Solent Rescue 1 was sea trialled on Friday the 19^th of June with a very agreeable performance outcome.  

ROUND THE ISLAND RACE SATURDAY 20^TH JUNE 2009

Solent Rescue 1 was afloat as of 7am prior to the start of race proceedings and completed 3 active patrols whilst the fleet passed through the Western Solent.  Due to the slight breeze and calm sea state, all vessels exited through Hurst with minimal cause for alarm  Solent stood off West Ryde Middle towards the end of the race.  

On the Sunday, we completed an early morning patrol and then came off service to perform safety cover for a group of chaps who wanted to cross the Solent upon a home made raft with paddles (nice design gentlemen).

Aiming for Gurnard, they eventually crossed in 1 hour and 50 minutes, not bad, although the current did mean they made landfall in Thorness Bay.  The boys had a target of £1,000.00 to raise for Great Ormond Street Hospital, a cause very close to Sams heart.  If you wish to donate to Sam, please contact our admin team and we will forward your details.

We ferried them back to Lepe and then signed back on for active service.  No other incidents occurred that required our intervention and the station closed down at the stipulated time.