The 2021 season has been very successful for Frensham Pond Sailability.

They celebrated wins at the Hansa National Championships, the retention of the Ben Ainslie Trophy for a record-breaking 14th time and picking up a bronze medal at the Hansa World Championships in Palermo.

In addition, one of the sailors, Andy Robson, was awarded the Disability Award at the Haslemere Sports Awards.

At the start of the season, cautious progress was made back to normality.

At first only those sailors who could sail independently were able to get back on the water, but in August, a return to buddy sailing was possible.

More sailors were able to return, and competitions around the country resumed.

Race training picked up again, and the Sailability Forum at the end of the season was an opportunity to reward those who had excelled.

Ivor Barrett welcomed to the meeting Ray Brown (president) and Geoff Jeal of Farnham Lions Club and thanked them for their continued support of Frensham Pond Sailability.

The Endeavour Trophy, sponsored by Farnham Lions Club, went to Owen Munford for his persistence and cheerful enthusiasm, and was presented by Ray Brown.

As Owen could not be present, it was collected by Lisa Skirrow on his behalf.

James Woosnam won the Thursday afternoon racing group first prize, with Paul Philips in second spot, ahead of Richard May.

Another award recognised was the Richard Smallwood Trophy, named in honour of a past sailing captain.

This was won by Mike Everitt, with Harry Kennington second and Judith Riggs third.

The forum was also an opportunity to remember those who had died during the previous year, and these were Maureen Aldridge, a regular sailor for many years and Carol Clibborn, a former enthusiastic volunteer, whose skills in organising social events and the galley are terribly missed.

At the close of the meeting, Ray Brown and Geoff Jeal of Farnham Lions Club expressed their admiration for the work of Frensham Pond Sailability and offered their continuing support.

For more information see the website www.frenshampondsailability.org.uk, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Michael Buttler