As it has been a while since we have updated the website with a progress report, I thought it seemed quite logical to do so before the start of the operations season.

2011 was a year of change, learning and bedding in, but before we get into the detail, we would like to take this time to give a big thank you to Ian Blomquist for all his time and effort invested in Solent Rescue over the past decade.

Ian left the unit as our senior coxswain in the early part of 2011 to follow up a number of commercial leads as well as spend more time with his family.  During his tenure at Solent, he has steered us through a very difficult time and brought us out the other side much stronger than before.  I can confidently say, that without Ian at the helm during these years, there was a distinct possibility that Solent Rescue would have ceased to operate.

On a personal note, it was Ian who got me involved with our small rescue family and I thank him for his support and more importantly, his friendship, through out the years that have passed and those yet to come.

Moving on.....

2011, as stated above, was a time of change learning and bedding in, but I don't think any of us could have foreseen the magnitude of events that took place during this time.  The crew pulled together in an outstanding display of solidarity as we made significant architectural changes to our facilities and assets.

At the start of the year, we managed to replace the key lookout position at Lepe.  The old building had become a magnet for vandalism, theft as well as slowly beginning to buckle and bend.  The new unit is a vast improvement both asthetically and practically with non-tamper shutters and doors.  This was all wired and plumbed in with new aerials, base station radios and is weatherproof.  The crew took great pleasure in knocking down the old shack.

During the year it became more and more apparent that our main lifeboat had dropped below a benchmark regarding being fit for purpose and either a major overhaul or replacement was required.  After much deliberation and soul searching, it was decided to begin fundraising and start a search for a new main rescue vessel.  Nowing that times were hard and funds would potentially not going to be easy to come by, we began to search for replacements that could be purchased and operated within our limited financial constraints.

There was a real feel that we would have to reduce the geographical area and meteorological conditions that we could effectively operate in.  But as luck would have it, we managed to locate a replacement vessel that was over 20 years younger than our current vessel and would give us at least 10 years operational effectiveness.  The size of the undertaking by all involved was incredible and took over six months to secure and complete the majority of discussions, negotiations and logistical transference.

The obtaining of this vessel pushed the unit to a position I would not wish to have to go through again in my tenure and I do not intend to do so within the foreseeable future. 2012 shall be about getting back to training, gaining experience and providing a SAR service we can all be proud of.

The new vessel shall be on service in 2012 once we are happy with the work completed to ensure she is completely seaworthy and fit for purpose.

Going Forward.....

2012, well, we have one more item that needs work and that is our compound and boat shed.  We have already come up with a practical solution which will involve complete demolition and the placement of secure units and a securitised covered area to hold the lifeboat during the off season so the crew can complete servicing out of the elements.  This is our main infrastructural goal for the year.

As stated above, both the crew and myself are looking to use 2012 to shape us into providing SAR services we can be proud of, familiarisation with the new vessel and cross training with other like minded units and Her Majesties Coastguard.

And Finally.....

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS, CREW & FAMILIES FOR YOUR HELP IN 2011, WE HOPE WE HAVE YOU AT OUR SIDE AND BACK FOR 2012.