THE competitive edge of the Macksville Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) just got significantly sharper thanks to the delivery of a new surf boat.

The new craft, the “Brian Gillett”, is named in honour of one of the club’s past members.

The purchase of the special $40,000 craft was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Gillett family and sponsors such as Solitude Health, The Paper Boys, Swale Industries, and O’Brien Plumbing.

The late Brian Gillett was a life member of the Macksville Scotts Head SLSC and the club received a substantial donation from his estate.

Members were happy to see that donation go towards the new boat.

The Brian Gillett replaces the club’s existing racing boat which, at 18-years-old, has flexibility occurring in its structure, ultimately slowing the boat down in the water.

“We compete all up and down the east coast in the surf boat including the State Championships in Sydney and we are looking forward to taking on other clubs in this new boat,” said SLSC Vice President and Boat Captain Michael Coulter.

“Our Club has always punched above its weight in racing and now, with this new boat, we expect that to continue.”

Shirley Gillett, the wife of the late Brian Gillett, visited Scotts Head last Sunday to officially christen the boat through the traditional pouring of champagne over the bow, much to the delight of the many SLSC members present.

Mrs Gillett also passed the ashes of the late Mr Gillett to the boat’s crew to be scattered off the beach where he spent so much time as a devoted surf life saver.

The day culminated with crews being able to take the Brian Gillett for a row and get a feel for the new craft.

By Mick BIRTLES