We headed off to Torquay for the final round of the OCRDA powerboat racing with a very sketchy forecast and three fleets of jet bikes, pro cats and OCR boat (website).
The Plan: A Media Boat Becomes a Rescue Unit
The Highfield Patrol 600 (see specs below) was originally planned to be a media boat with two for the country’s finest aquatic photographers on board, Anthony from Iceman Images and Will from Snap.
Soon, however with the conditions it was apparent that the Patrol 600 would be use das primary rescue boat with the paramedic aboard and they picture boys shipped off to another willing host!
The rear locker was soon filled with emergency medical equipment alongside the spare clothing and emergency kit and a long board stowed alongside the console.
It was held in place buy a couple of fenders.
Fully Equipped for Safety
The rear locker also has a shower unit within which takes up quite a bit of the space.
It may well be removed for next season as the locker is carrying more and more equipment at events.
Wind, Waves, and Jet Skis
The forecast wasn’t wrong and the promised F 4-5 wind arrived just in time to start the jet ski races, at least it stayed dry!
There are some great images below from the afloat photographers with skis aiming for the sky.
Our latest writer is Andy, commonly known as Squirrell, the owner of a Highfield Patrol 600 aptly named Nutkin.
Andy has grown up in and on the waters of South West England.
A competitive sea swimmer in Dorset led to training to be a Canoe Lifeguard, effectively moving from competing to supporting.
This move was obviously the right thing. The next 35 years were spent on the National Committee for British Canoe Lifeguards and the Royal Lifesaving Society.
These efforts helped shape UK lifeguarding and safety processes in use at events today.
Aquatic Safety Officer
Aquatic Safety Officer is a title often used for Andy.
He holds this title at World Cups, World Championships, UK Ironman races, and Festival of the Seas.
Virtually every conceivable event, from a duck race to an Olympic Games, has been supported in one way or another.
This support even includes the odd music festival as a medical director. But that’s another story!
It was only a matter of time until ribs came along as part of the tool set.
Working at the Weymouth Sailing Centre as a water sports instructor provided powerboat qualifications.
It also offered powerboat instructor qualifications via BSAC.
The rescue kayaks rarely get wet these days. Most weekends, Andy can be found afloat on his Highfield Patrol 600.
The winter is spent as the Safety Lead for the Winter Series of Cornish Pilot Gig Racing.
OCRDA and Cowes–Torquay–Cowes fill the powerboat racing calendar. Occasionally, UKOPRA and UIM events are mixed in.
Events such as the Great River Race bring a different view to the Thames. You know the Highfield Patrol has been the lead boat. This is especially true if you’ve seen posts or blogs on social cruises.
These include The Annual Pasty Run/Hunt, The SW Culinary Tour, Gin and Biscuits, Autumn Colours, or Ice Cream and Chips. Andy is at the helm with his ever suffering crew.
Our new author has been instrumental in organising some of the UK’s biggest events. These include a sea swim, rowing race, powerboat race, or social cruise. They bring a wealth of experience to these pages.
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