The RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) "Rotary Spirit of the Winelands" was launched at the NSRI Station in Hout Bay today. Commissioning of the vessel, which will be based at the NSRI's Kommetjie station, was made possible through the proceeds of our  2007 Annual Wine Auction, a collaboration between the Rotary Clubs of Newlands and Table Bay.

There are pics of the event on Flickr and further images below.

"Rotary Spirit of the Winelands" (Rescue 26) is powered by Mariner Twin 60's and some serious ocean 'know-how'. (NSRI pundits will spot the former Rescue 1, now known as "Broadbill" just to the left of Rescue 26.

 Zudi Johnson, wife of President Garth, did the Christening honours -

And so to the maiden voyage of "Rotary Spirit of the Windelands" -

And the fundraising event that made this all possible? ....... The Wine Auction, held at Table Bay Hotel in October 2007 -

On June 12th, the event earned good coverage in both of Cape Town's major English dailies -