When the club launched its new fibreglass boat on Sunday, surf boat captain Peter Cashmore said it was a welcome addition.

"Our newest boat was nine years old," he said.

"While it is still a quite serviceable boat, it is starting to show some signs of major wear and tear.

"The new boat, while the same design, will help to finetune our competitiveness just that little bit more."

Funding from members and friends of the club along with a substantial contribution from Paul Cornelissen enabled the boat to be bought.

Club president Shane Maslin appreciated Cornelissen's donation.

"Paul was the sweep of the crew that really started things going in rowing here at Port Campbell," he said.

"That crew won our first pennant and state title."

Cornelissen said: "I will always remember the camaraderie that builds up when you are rowing boats together . . . That is something everyone should get to experience."

Port Campbell's surf competition will continues until March. The season finishes with the 2009 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Perth's Scarborough Beach from March 17 to 22.