Coastguard Mana has taken delivery of its new high-spec rescue boat
Coastguard received the boat thanks to a partnership between America’s Cup, Lotto NZ, and Emirates Team NZ and a $9.8 million lottery grant.
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The Rayglass Protector is equipped with top-of-the-range technology and safety features to help the crew easily navigate the notorious northern entrance of Cook Strait and also features new outboard motors that will help reduce the unit’s CO2 emissions by more than 35%.
Named Te Awarua after the Taniwha of the Porirua Harbour, Mana’s new Coastguard Rescue Vessel is one of 26 high-spec craft that were first used as chase boats at last year’s America’s Cup.
Coastguard Mana president Tara Doak says the whole unit is grateful to be receiving the new boat that will improve the safety of the unit while dealing with their call outs in what can be a very rough body of water.
“We service the northern entrance of the Cook Strait, which provides constant challenges – not only dealing with the lee shore but once you’re out there, there are no harbours or places of refuge so if you get into trouble out there, you’re often in big trouble,” she says.
“This new vessel is really going to be a gamechanger for us. The outboards have been set up to give pulling power and a useful cruising speed giving us that extra advantage in the water when it’s crucial, as well as all the technology that will help us in all other aspects like giving us stable communication to our people.”
It’s also the first Coastguard vessel to use OXE300 diesel twin outboards, which emit significantly lower CO2 than a gasoline outboard engine.
Coastguard CEO Callum Gillespie says that the move to diesel outboards is something that Coastguard, which has the largest commercial fleet in New Zealand, has been considering for several years, with environmental protection and cost efficiencies just two of the key factors.
“As one of the first Coastguard units to explore the diesel option, as well as their significant financial commitment to spearheading this project, Mana should be very proud to fly this flag for Coastguard. We’re delighted with the project’s progress and look forward to Coastguard Mana launching its new vessel soon.”
The refitting of the boats from America’s Cup supporters to lifesavers has been taken care of by original manufacturer, Rayglass, with the support of Coastguard New Zealand, individual units, and various community providers.
Photography: Coastguard New Zealand