"Rupert Best" Naming Ceremony 2021

The naming ceremony of the new Portland Port tug
“Rupert Best”
A moving report and photographs from Anthony Steiner,

It was a lovely sunny day and the ceremony, organised by Portland Ports and conducted by the Chairman, was a joyous occasion.
As you know Rupert was a founder Director of Portland Ports when they took it over from the Royal Navy, and he had a very great influence on the way it was developed into the successful business that it is today.
The ceremony was attended by all of Rupert’s immediate family, in particular his wife Maggie, daughter Sarah and sons Matt and William, as well as local dignitaries. After a welcome glass of champagne, standing in the warm sunshine, the 30 our so guests moved down to the jetty where the tug was berthed.
The Chairman of Portland Ports gave a short speech and then the tug was formally named by Maggie, drawing back a cover over the name plate and, at the same time, releasing a bottle of Rupert’s cider to break over it.
After the ceremony the tug sailed into the harbour and performed some spectacular manoeuvres near to the jetty.
I can’t think of a more appropriate manner with which to remember Rupert and all that he loved and cherished in his full and varied career. I’m certain that he would have been proud and honoured to have been there…….