Aquatrek, Youghal’s excellent sail training and leisure service unveiled Nightvision,’ the latest addition to its fleet, amidst a wintry chill at its base at Nealon’s Quay. By Christy Parker/ Photo Michael Hussey (YoughaoOnline.com)

The Excalibur Rib was designed and built by Joe Collam of Cork company Gale Force ventures. Joe is naval architect with 15 years of Rib design experience. Aquatrek founders John Innes and John Griffin developed and co-ordinated the advance onboard electronics themselves.

In appearance a blue & yellow hued glamour craft, Nightvision is a seriously capable and highly advanced vessel. With an estimated value of €65,000, it boasts two, twin controlled 75 hp engines, modified slightly to hit a top speed of 38 knots.

Built to carry four, seated crew, the safety attributes meet all recruitments for Marine Department P6 (Passenger) Licence. “Her two electric pumps can shift 4,000 litres of water an hour, as well as a manual pump,” says John Innes. A tacho system enables engine trimming to allow the craft’s hull to rise or dip according to conditions, thus contributing to fuel economy, comfort and safety

Hydraulic steering is facilitated by a twin tank fuel system that carries a total of 220 litres, giving a 160-mile sailing range, with facility to carry spare fuel also. A hand held chart plotter doubles as an extra onboard guidance tool alongside a built-in colour chart topper, with radar overlays.

The more scientific strata of safety features includes VHF DSC radio, magnetic compass, colour depth sounder and, most impressive and of all a top radar system. Digital Selective Calling, which operates like a text messaging system, automatically informs Coastguard services and all craft in the area similarly equipped of the boats exact position once a button is pressed. A ‘killcord device attaches each passenger or crew member to the boat and immediately shuts down the engines should he or she fall overboard.

Aquatrek acquired Nightvision on a double incentive. “Its immensely important for our Advanced Powerboat Course, which is proving every popular,” John explains. “That’s where the radar comes into its own. All commercial skippering has to have that qualification and it includes use of radar technology. We teach regular boat users in the skill too, including high speed night navigation in closed waters.”

A secondary initiative will see Nightvision convey its crew on what John calls, with the air of a man casually envisioning white knuckles and stomachs hitting chins, “thrill rides.” Basically this probably translates as unfortunate lunatics -perhaps desperately trying to re-ignite waning love interests or something- bouncing their way in and out to Capel Island during their ‘holiday’ in Youghal. The Killcord will mean they are immediately hauled back inside if they fall -or jump!- overboard. That means they can return in one piece to throw up on the pier, collapse in a heap and get dumped for being wimpish!

Following its official champagne-spraying christening, Nightvision completed its inaugural day’s, with a highly impressive showcase display in the harbour. A successful series of sea and fuel trials via a trip to Ballycotton ensued.

Further course and leisure sailing information on www.aquatrek.ie. Telephone inquiries: (024) 90542