Finally, Bill Ludlow, chairman of the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) from 1999 to 2008 also passed away.

Edward Leask, current vice chairman of the WPNSA, said: ‘It was with great sadness that we heard the news that Bill Ludlow, chairman of the Sailing Academy, had passed away on Friday evening, July 4, 2008.

‘Mr Ludlow was a person who had the vision and determination to drive forward the concept of a National Sailing Academy in Weymouth and Portland and was a founder member of the not for profit company formed in 1999 to take the project forward to this current day. He was a key player in enabling WPNSA to be successful as a 2008 Sport Industry Award winner for Environmental Concern in Sport with an unbeatable active Olympic legacy programme and ODA approved facilities.

‘Mr Ludlow has been at the helm of WPNSA since the idea started and the subsequent development of the concept Academy to an Olympic venue in less than six years, demonstrating his enigmatic leadership and vision. His passion for sailing and for all maritime aspects meant that his influence reached out across the whole of Portland Harbour, Weymouth Bay and beyond.

‘Mr Ludlow has worked tirelessly for WPNSA and enabling access for local community people to sail at the academy.’

Please note that Bill Ludlow’s family have asked not be contacted directly at this very sad time, please instead email Cailah.leask@fasttracksailing.com or call on her mobile 077 8529 4321 for all press queries.