The prototype of a new 12.7-metre rescue boat class for Die Seenotretter – DGzRS has completed her first sea trial in Finland. Known internally as SRB 90, the boat is being built for the DGzRS's volunteer stations; this first run was mainly about setting up the machinery.

Much of the work happened long before the hull touched water. The design was studied in CFD and confirmed in the towing tank at Aalto University, and a full-scale plywood mockup was built in Helsinki so the volunteer crews could sit in the wheelhouse and decide where seats, throttles, screens and rescue gear belong. Those sessions answered questions drawings rarely can.

R2 Marine has been part of the project alongside Arctic Boats Oy and WD Steelworks Oy Ltd., with the DGzRS team closely involved at every stage.

Plenty of testing still lies ahead at the yard before the crews take the prototype in hand. Congratulations to everyone who has got her this far.