Description

RS 2 LANGESUND SAILBOAT

FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY QUALITY MODEL

Dimension approx.: 20L x 6.5W x 27H (inch)
The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT

A Boat Born of Necessity and Community

In the winter of 1892, a violent storm swept across Langesundsbukta, scattering fishing boats and claiming lives along the Norwegian coast. When Colin Archer–designed pilot boats braved the seas to rescue survivors, the people of Langesund saw clearly what they needed: a vessel built for the worst weather the Skagerrak could deliver. Out of tragedy came resolve, and from that resolve emerged one of Norway’s most important early rescue craft — the RS 2 Langesund.

The idea for Langesund was driven not by wealthy patrons or government decree, but by the widows of fishermen lost in the storm. Their determination led to the founding of Langesund Kreds til Skibbrudnes Redning, a local rescue society that began planning the vessel even before the national Redningsselskapet (NSSR) formally became involved.

A tender competition selected Thor Martin Jenssen of Porsgrund Baadbyggeri to build the boat, following the seaworthy principles of Colin Archer. The result was a “synkefri” — a sink‑free — rescue skiff, constructed with:

A double hull of watertight planking
Watertight doors and compartments
Archer’s characteristic full-bodied, double-ended form
Strength and stability for open-sea rescue

Launched on 31 January 1893, she became the first rescue skiff in active NSSR service — a pioneering vessel at the dawn of Norway’s organized lifesaving fleet.

Under the command of Skipper Ole Andreas Jensen, RS 2 Langesund patrolled the waters around Langesund for 20 years, earning a reputation for reliability and courage. Her record was extraordinary:

102 people rescued
39 boats and 3 ships saved
29 ships assisted
3,536 boats and 3 ships “in‑slept” (towed or escorted to safety)

No other NSSR skiff of the era matched her total number of assists. She became a familiar sight along the coast — a guardian of fishermen, sailors, and travelers in one of Norway’s most treacherous maritime regions.

When her rescue career ended in 1913, Langesund found new purpose:

1913–1937: Served the Norwegian Hydrographic Service as a survey boat
1937–1945: Passed into private ownership
1945: Converted into a fishing vessel, renamed MS Flinken, fitted with a 40 hp Union motor
1945–1975: Worked as a fishing boat, especially around Rørvik
1975–1989: Fell into disrepair, stored in pieces, nearly lost

By the late 20th century, the once‑proud rescue skiff was little more than a memory — a relic in danger of disappearing forever.

In 1989, a group of enthusiasts — Niels Christian Bang, Anne Bang, and Bernt Strand — founded Partsrederiet RS2 Langesund with a single mission: to save the historic vessel. They acquired the remains and began a meticulous restoration using Original Colin Archer blueprints, Traditional materials and methods, and Skilled craftsmen at Djupevåg Båtbyggeri.

By 1992, the rebuilt hull was transported to Holmestrand for finishing. In 1993, on her 100th anniversary, RS 2 Langesund was rededicated by the Veteran Red‑Saving Skiff Association — a triumphant return for a boat once thought beyond saving.

Today, RS 2 Langesund is preserved and operated by the RS 2 “Langesund” Sameiet, a consortium of local organizations and municipalities. She sails in Cultural events, Regattas, Historical demonstrations, and community celebrations.

More than a museum piece, she is a living vessel, maintained in seaworthy condition and celebrated as a symbol of Norway’s maritime resilience.

From her origins in grief and determination to her decades of lifesaving service, from her decline to her remarkable restoration, RS 2 Langesund embodies the spirit of Norway’s coastal communities. She stands today not only as a historic rescue craft, but as a testament to the people who built her, sailed her, and refused to let her be forgotten.

A boat born of tragedy, shaped by craftsmanship, and preserved by love — still carrying the story of those she once saved.