Sir,

With reference to Gary James's letter last week about the sale of the longboat, there are a number of inaccuracies in his statements.

Firstly, there is no Tenby Rowing Club. Surflink is a multifunctional water-sports club covering surf lifesaving, windsurfing and sea rowing, and was set-up by the windsurfers and the surf lifesavers working together.

Secondly, the boats were not 'donated by the people of Tenby'. It was in fact the Surflink committee who decided to extend the club's activities into sea rowing in 2001 and raised the money locally and from Sportslot for the four boats, three Celtic longboats and a twin scull rowing boat with sliding seats. We were clearly over ambitious at the time and the third Celtic longboat has been little used as the number of members interested in rowing was insufficient.

Thirdly, the boat was not sold without the knowledge of the rowers, there was a committee meeting at which the rowing section captain was present where the matter was discussed, and a price was unanimously agreed.

It was mentioned that the rowers would be sorry to see the third boat go, but as it had not been used for a year, had been in an unseaworthy condition for that time, and had not been repaired, it was difficult to justify keeping it.

The boat is in fact still in the area as it has been sold to Wiseman's Bridge Rowing Club who were looking to buy a fairly new boat.

We could not justify having a boat (albeit in need of repair) languishing unused when other rowers were in need of it.

Finally, you many remember the article in the Observer a few weeks ago featuring the RNLI lifeguards joining Surflink, and training the members in surf lifesaving on Wednesday evenings.

This is proving to be fantastically successful, and there is a very large group of young people involved. New members are always welcome, and the sessions now start at 6.30. All members of SURFLINK are automatically members in all three activities and are welcome to partake in all of them.

We have a large number of rescue surf skis, racing surf skis, rescue boards, racing boards, boards suitable for junior members, windsurfing boards for beginners and for the more advanced, two Celtic longboats and a twin scull - all waiting to be used and enjoyed!

Jules Rilstone,

chairman,

Penally,

Tenby.