RICHARD Smallwood, renowned racing yachtsman and a driving force at Frensham Pond Sailability, died on New Year’s Day after a long illness.

He was an honorary life member of Frensham Pond Sailing Club, but was also a lifelong sailor in both offshore yachts and racing dinghies. He later joined Frensham and became a key organiser of Sailability for the disabled

In recent years, he raced a 2.4R singlehanded keelboat, the Paralympic design. At Frensham, he was always racing right to the end at the head of the fleet and had several wins.

Richard was a former Royal Navy officer and developed the leadership and organising ability that served Frensham Sailability so well.

In many ways, he is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed by the sailing club to which contributed so much.