Naantali Marshall etched in Anglsea SLSC history

A LEGEND of the Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) has been immortalised as part of the club’s most recent boat christening.

Anglesea SLSC athlete and one of the most decorated female surf lifesavers in Life Saving Victoria (LSV) history Naantali Marshall has joined the ranks of some of the club’s biggest names, with a surf boat now named in her honour.

Marshall, a national lifesaving champion, Ironwoman and one of the Lorne SLSC’s Pier to Pub Superfish (six-time winner), said it was an emotional day on August 6 when she was recognised for her hard work and commitment to the Anglesea SLSC in front of her fellow lifesavers.

“I didn’t actually know about the boat until the day before when my husband told me during a training session down at Torquay, which came as a big surprise,” Ms Marshall said.

“It’s extremely humbling and I’m forever grateful to the club for setting this all up.

“There are so many other names that would have been worthy enough to feature on this boat, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of a club with so much history and such a great culture.”

Naantali Marshall pouring a bottle of champagne over the boat to officially christen the club’s new boat.

The christening function was well-attended by over 80 lifesavers featuring past and present members following a junior training session.

Ms Marshall then sprayed a bottle of champagne over the boat to make the announcement official.

The boat has not been taken out for its maiden voyage yet, but Ms Marshall, known entirely for her ability as a water athlete, confirmed she did not plan to join the boat team any time soon.

Naantali Marshall, or “Naant” for short, is an Anglesea SLSC legend with national gold medals, Pier to Pub victories and Ironwoman appearances lined throughout her illustrious career as an athlete.

Boat captain Scott Tannahill said there was no one more deserving of the honour than Naantali.

“It’s just another accolade to add to Naantali’s resume over the years, which is second to none,” Mr Tannahill said.

“I first toured with Naantali in 1996 to America, so I’ve known her for some time now, she’s just a great role model for the juniors coming up through the club.

“Naantali has been in many state teams, represented the club in pretty much every discipline, ironically except in the boats, she was the perfect candidate for an occasion like this.”

The purchase of the new boat was made possible by sponsors M.C. Herd, Hamlan and Vitratech.