You can help us by voting for us in the Aviva Community Fund. Simply Click Here to vote
We have a chance to gain £10,000 to help us purchase a new RIB similar to the one pictured below.

A Scout driving a Hamble River SC RIB.

Why do we need this?
The group has grown quickly in the last five years, especially with the reforming of our Explorer Unit in 2013. We have retained all our Scouts reaching Explorer age of 14.5. Our present RIB is mostly used as the Safety Boat whilst our Scouts and Explorers are dinghy sailing. This restricts our ability to train our members in power boating, and as our dinghy fleet increases in size it is becoming difficult to have sufficient safety boat cover.

How much will a new RIB cost ?
We hope to purchase a 5.5m RIB with at least a 60hp outboard, complete with road trailer and equipment to act as an inshore safety boat. This is expected to be in the region of £20 – £25K depending on final specifications. We have presently raised approximately £3,500 in the past 12 months for this project. We have also invested a similar amount recently in more sailing dinghies, including two Laser Picos, a RS Feva and a Laser 2.

Where will the rest of the funds come from ?
This will come from further fund raising, such as bag packs at local supermarkets and stores, and hopefully further grant applications.

Who will benefit ?
Our Explorers and Scouts will be the main beneficiaries, together with the wider Scouting and local community here in Netley Abbey and surrounding areas. We offer water activities to visiting groups covering kayaking, canoeing, raft building and dinghy sailing. The group is lead by a team of dedicated and qualified leaders / instructors, several of whom have spent many years as officers / masters in both the Merchant and Royal Navy. These are supported by an active committee.

We hope you can support us and spare a couple of minutes of your time to vote for this worthwhile cause. Many thanks in anticipation.