Say hello to our little friend.

We have done it. After 6 months of searching and asking and back-and-forthing with sellers, we now formally have Rescue 2 in possession.

A few weeks ago, the committee met and made the unanimous decision to go ahead with a second RIB. Further to that, our decision on which to choose was also unanimous (and trust me when I say this decision was not entered into lightly).

We now have a 3.9m Highfield RIB (2018 model). On the back is a 40hp Yamaha 4 stroke. The boat comes with a Bimini and GPS, and also with a dunbier trailer (2022 build) that has seen the water 6 times since it was built.
The steering is a Q-Panel (not centre console). This allows more floorspace for working area, such as mark retrieval or extra bodies in the boat.
The throttle is beside the dual back seat, next to the driver. There is another seat at the front, plus more than ample leg room for stretching out.
It has electronic tilt and ignition on the motor (no rip cords!) and runs on straight petrol, the same as Rescue One.
The price for this was $14,000. Thanks to a kind sponsorship of $3000 from Rotary Rye/Rosebud, the final cost to the club was $11,000. Committee decided after looking at countless boats, from as far away as Adelaide and Sydney, this was the correct one for us.

So what happens to our old ducky, I hear you ask?
It will be kept, continued to be used for juniors, as RIBs are far less imposing than R1 when monitoring beginners. It will also be used for regattas and titles, and it will now shift designation to Rescue 3.

Committee has also decided that Rescue 2 will be stored inside the clubhouse, along with the tractor and R1. This means that when packing up at the end of the day, all tables and chairs must be packed up. Those who have been around for a while will remember doing this from yesteryear.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone involved in lifting the club to this level – and that doesn’t mean just committee. It means every single person over the past few years who has lifted a hammer, dug a hole, or held a paintbrush. Through your efforts, the club has improved the look and feel, which has meant more members, more boats on the water, and therefore, more rescue boats. Investing in ourselves has paid off, and we can now safely supervise our fleet and continue training beginners, in a comfortable and safe boat.

We are now only a few weeks away from the beginning of the season – 41 in fact – and a number of jobs are in the final stages. The canteen is almost done, the ceiling (inc. new fans and lights) is about to be painted, the bolts are almost done, paint is getting finished. Honestly, it’s been busier than an episode of The Block. And on top of this, we still have another few surprises up our sleeves due to be released in the next few weeks…watch this space.

Email

info.rosebudyachtclub@gmail.com