Devon’s premier independent boat seller, SeaSwift Boats, has taken the decision to mark its highly successful first year of trading by donating a brand new SeaSwift 435 to a locally based youth charity. Following a successful competition that ran with the assistance of local media and Gemini FM radio the winner was announced as Paignton Sea Scouts.

Owner and managing director of SeaSwift Boats, David Swift explained why the decision was made to run this competition:

“My life has revolved around boats and the sea both as a child, growing up in Devon, and as an adult serving in the Royal Navy. I took the decision to launch SeaSwift Boats at the beginning of the 2008 expecting a slow start as I established the quality of the product and expanded into the various markets. However the response and feedback I have received has left me staggered. I have had interest in the boats from as far-a-field as Scotland and London but it was the Devon area that really responded. It has been an amazing first year of trading and I felt compelled to do something in recognition. Donating a brand new boat to a local youth charity seemed like the ideal choice given my attachment to the sea from such a young age”.

The Sea Swift 435 is designed to deliver unparalleled performance in both quality and safety. Ideal as either a fast day fisher or a family day tripper, the boat has been rigorously tested to the highest standards. Only the highest quality materials are used in its production and is delivered with everything needed as standard. Fully configurable with a range of engine sizes (including tiller controlled) it ensures that it is ideally suited to its intended purpose. Built-in buoyancy such as the cabin seating combined with a double skinned and sealed deck area makes the Sea Swift 435 very stable in the water. The boat is finished in white with a grey, non-slip floor. Because it is a completely new setup the package comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty.

A great turn-out

Scout Leader for the group, Kevin Kerswell summed up how it felt to be told that the group had won and what it will mean for the children that will benefit from the donation:

“Winning the SeaSwift 435 has been a real boost and will have a profound impact for the group. We have been in existence for 85 years and over that time have given thousands of youngsters aged between 6 and 18 years old the opportunity to experience and learn boating activities such as sailing, rowing and kayaking. We currently have 160 children in the group, with meetings every evening throughout the week and are on the water between April and September four evenings a week. Our current rescue boat was 2nd or 3rd hand when donated to us 10 years ago and has now become too old to be seaworthy”.

Kevin continued:

“We are a charity and have been raising money for a replacement rescue boat, we can now use the money raised to purchase other essential equipment for the group. Winning the Sea Swift has secured the ‘on the water’ activities for hundreds of youngsters for many years to come. We are thrilled to be the winners of this very generous donation from Sea Swift and offer our heartfelt thanks to Sea Swift and all those who voted for us on Gemini FM’s website”.

Dave concluded:

“I am delighted that the Paignton Sea Scouts have won the boat and I am sure that the boat will provide many years of service. We are amazingly fortunate to live in such a beautiful area with the sea on our doorstep. I hope that the children get as much enjoyment out of being on the water as I had as a child”.