A REFURBISHED surf boat from Boscombe is now fit for Royalty after almost three years of work to fix it up.

Bournemouth Surf Boat Club, based next to Boscombe Pier, have made their boat look as good as new, and now it is heading to London for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant, on June 3, to represent Australia.

Ellis Hagger, President of the Club, will be at the helm of one of nine surf boats in the display, which is just one section of the 1,000 boat flotilla formed to represent Britain’s maritime heritage.

He says that it feels great to have finished the surfboat.

He said: “The best part of the whole project was the coming together of people, rowers and non-rowers who wanted to help and did.

He added: “Being asked to steer our surf boat in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and being part of the historic event is a great honour for myself and our club.

“Nine surf boats will represent Australia Unlimited and will be manned by ex-Olympic rowers and Australian life-savers, who have been flown in especially for the event.

“We will be getting down to lots of rowing practice on the two days before the 1,000 boat flotilla takes to the water.

“We have to ship oars when we take the Royal Salute and I’m going to be proud that Bournemouth colours will be shown on our oar spoons.”

Ellis says that the nine Sweeps have been invited for lunch with the Australian High Commissioner in London, as a way of thanks for being ‘honorary Australians’ for the day.