HIAL has donated a fast rescue boat to Orkney Sailing Club to support local sailing activities.

The three-man Avon Sea Rider served as the rescue craft at Kirkwall Airport until last year when it was replaced with a new Redbay Stormforce fast rescue boat.

Airport operating regulations require Kirkwall to provide fast rescue boat cover in the event of an aircraft emergency at sea. Members of the Airport Fire Service are trained in boat handling and also provide support to HM Coastguard and RNLI in the event of an incident at sea in the waters around the airport.

The twin-engined rigid inflatable boat and transport trailer were surplus to the airport’s regulatory and training requirements and will enjoy a new lease of life providing safety cover for local sailing club events.

The handover of the three-man boat took place at Kirkwall Airport on Tuesday 12 August. Brian Kynoch, deputy principal of Orkney Sailing Club’s sail training department received the boat on behalf of the sailing club.

Tommy Tullock, station manager at Kirkwall Airport said: "We are delighted that the old fast rescue boat will be used by Kirkwall Sailing Club for safety cover. We are also pleased to say that in the 15 years we have used the Sea Rider we have never had to deploy it for an actual aircraft emergency at sea although it has been well used for standby and training purposes.

"We have maintained the boat to the highest standards and are confident that it will prove an asset to the club and for the many sailing activities that take place around Orkney."

Brian Kynoch said: "We very much appreciate this kind gesture by HIAL. Safety is paramount for our training activities and we require at least two rescue boats on the water during training sessions.

"This craft will be used to replace our old rescue boat which has served us well during the eight years we have been running sailing courses. Over 420 adults and children have learned to sail at various levels over the pasyt eight years with a total of 85 taking part during 2003 alone. Orkney Sailing Club is a Royal Yachting Association recognised training establishment and has to operate under strict guidelines to ensure the safety of its sailors. Interest in sailing is high and finding resources is a constant problem so this donation is extremely helpful."

ENDS