Searider Rib Upgrade Work

We’re pleased to share a update with our Searider safety boat project..

Many of you will remember that we’ve been working to secure funding to bring our 4m Avon Searider back into service. For a long time, this was the club’s sole safety boat before being replaced by the Humber in 2021. Since then, it has sat unused in the dinghy park, with ageing tubes and an engine no longer practical for club use.

Following a successful application to the Coastal Community Challenge Fund, that work is now happening. The Searider is heading to Ferry Marine this week for a full refurbishment, including new tubes, a new 30hp Yamaha engine, a refreshed floor and upgrades to the centre console.

Why this matters

This project is really about keeping up with demand at the club.

We’re seeing growing numbers at sessions, particularly from our younger sailors. Recently, 15 capable young sailors signed up for a Monday afternoon, well beyond what a single rescue boat can safely support. While we’ve managed at times by borrowing boats, it’s not something we can rely on consistently.

Having the Searider back on the water means we can:

• Safely increase capacity at regular sailing sessions

• Properly support Saturday sailing and affiliated sessions

• Provide reliable safety cover for our expanding events calendar

That includes the Bluetoon Trophy schools events, Big Weekend, windsurf weekends and supporting Collieston Offshore Rowing Club, all of which depend on having the right safety cover in place.

It also removes a key barrier to hosting more RYA Scotland training in future, where previously we’ve needed additional boats brought in.

Looking ahead

This is a long-term investment in the club’s activity.

It allows more people to get on the water, particularly young sailors, and supports the wider pathway into volunteering and club involvement as they progress. With an expected lifespan of 10 years atleast on the engine and even longer on the tubes, this will serve the club well for years to come.

A new name

Thanks to everyone who submitted name suggestions the committee has chosen: Phoenix

A fitting name for a boat returning to life.

Thank you

This project has been supported by NESFLAG and funded through Aberdeenshire Council’s Coastal Community Challenge Fund.

We’ll keep you updated as the work progresses and look forward to seeing Phoenix back on the water soon.