A BOAT with a special significance for all at Frensham Pond Sailability was launched last week.

It was named Dido in commemoration of Richard Smallwood, who was the club’s sailing captain for ten years until his death in January 2017.

Richard had served on HMS Dido, and his widow, Angela, recalled that it was a particularly happy ship for him.

Richard’s contribution to Sailability started in 2004 when he was looking for something to do in his retirement.

He became sailing captain in 2006 and during his time the club became the best racing club in Britain as well as the most efficient.

Angela Smallwood spoke movingly of Richard when launching the new boat. Shortly afterwards she launched the boat into the water, tried it out, and then Lindsay Burns, one of Sailability’s most successful sailors took it on its maiden voyage.

The boat will be a valuable addition to Sailability’s fleet.