Testwood Sailability's new dinghy named after Eric Blyth

Prolific tea drinker Eric Blyth was the founder and chairman of Totton-based Testwood Lakes Sailability, which enables people with disabilities to take to the water.

Eric, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, died aged 75 in February this year.

Dispensing with the traditional champagne, his wife Sheila, 74, honoured her late husband in suitable fashion by pouring a mug of tea over the charity's latest Hansa 303 dinghy.

She was joined by the couple's two sons, Ashley, 41, and 38-year-old Martyn, who went for a sail in the new boat.

Sheila Blyth with the new Hansa dinghy named after her late husband Eric (Image: Newsquest)

The orange and white craft was funded by the Rotary Club of Southampton Magna and Freemasons at the city's Sir Bevis Lodge, plus donations and money raised by Testwood Sailability.

READ MORE: Cash boost for Totton charity that helps disabled people learn to sail at Testwood Lakes

Sheila, of Sunset Road in Totton, said: "I started going out with Eric when I was 16 and we celebrated 50 years of marriage last year. 

"I couldn't have wished for a better husband and really miss him. As soon as I saw his name on the dinghy I got choked up.

"He would have been so proud to see the boat - and he'd have loved the colour.

"Eric was so into people learning to sail. He didn't want anyone to miss out because they were in a wheelchair."

Sheila Blyth with her two sons, Ashley, left, and Martyn (Image: Newsquest)

His funeral was held at Test Valley Crematorium, near Romsey, in March.

Sheila said: "There must have been 150 people there, including some I hadn't seen for a long time. Rod Stewart's 'We Are Sailing' was played as we went in. It was a celebration of Eric's life.

"He's greatly missed at home and will be very greatly missed everywhere else."

Referring to the way she named the boat, Sheila joked: "Eric would probably say it was a waste of a good up of tea."

The new dinghy was funded by the Rotary Club of Southampton and Freemasons at Sir Bevis Lodge (Image: Newsquest)

Based at a site used by the 4th New Forest North (Eling) Sea Scouts, Testwood Sailability uses dinghies purpose-built for people with disabilities.

The naming ceremony was attended by one of Eric's closest friends, fellow wheelchair user Geoff Holt, 58, of Titchfield. 

Earlier this year Geoff successfully completed his mission to circumnavigate Britain by boat. His four-week, 1,800-mile journey included stops at 19 accessible ports.

Geoff, who was paralysed from the chest down 40 years ago, aims to inspire more disabled people to take part in water-based activities.