Issue date
On Sunday the 22nd February Sailability Nelson combined the blessing and launch of their new Hansa 303 “Iona II” with a successful “Have A Go” day. Existing and potential new sailors gathered at the Nelson Yacht Club to participate in the blessing of Iona II. John MacDuff (Chair, Sailabilty Nelson Trust) opened proceedings by welcoming those gathered including Robert Palmer, Chair of Iona Trust and sponsor of new yacht “Iona II”. Robert Palmer spoke briefly about the Iona Trust, which was established in 1997 by Nelson representatives of the commercial fishing industry to commemorate and honour those who had lost their lives at sea and as a support mechanism for their surviving dependants. The Blessing was then performed, led by Archdeacon Reverend Harvey Ruru. After a morning tea the boats were then launched and sailed across to the floating pontoon by the Rescue Centre and sailing sessions began.
