Next Sailing Day: Thursday 2nd April 2026

Boat Launch

in memory of

Eric Blyth

Side view of new dinghy on land prior to being launched with Testwood Lakes Sailability volunteer

Side view of new dinghy with Martyn, Eric's son & Kevin Warland, Skipper

Eric's widow, Sheila, pouring tea on new boat named in honour of her late husband, Eric Blyth

Our latest boat was named on Monday 30th September 2024 in honour of Eric Blyth, the founder and first Chairman of Testwood Lakes Sailability. Eric sadly passed away earlier this year.

We were joined at the ceremony by Eric's widow, Sheila and their two sons, Ashley & Martyn and many of his friends, including Geoff Holt. Instead of the traditional champagne Sheila used Eric's favourite, a mug of tea to name the new orange and white Hansa 303 dinghy.

The dinghy was funded by a collection in memory of Eric, together with funds donated by Southampton Magna Rotary Club and Sir Bevis Masonic Lodge No 5072.

After the naming ceremony, Eric's younger son Martyn went for a sail in the dinghy skippered by Kevin Warland.

Eric is very much missed by his family & Testwood Lakes Sailability.

A video of photographs supplied by Sheila, Erics widow can be found here

A video starring Eric talking about TLS, which was filmed by That's TV on the day the Geoff Clarke dinghy was named can be found here

The Daily Echo's article on the naming ceremony can be found here

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