Gravesend Sailing Club paid tribute to their first lady commodore by naming their new safety boat after her.

Helen Skellorn, who passed away in 2017, was commodore from 1988-1991 during more than 60 years of involvement with the club.

In need of a new rigid inflatable boat and with help from a Port of London Authority grant of £3,500, it was decided to name the £6,500 boat after Helen and continue a tradition of honouring members who have played integral roles.

Helen also joins her father, Ken Jacob, who has one of Gravesend SC’s Wayfarer dinghies bearing his name. He, too, was a commodore at the club.

Helen’s children, James, Diana and Kate, attended the naming ceremony - Kate flying in from New Zealand - along with their children and grandchildren.

Current commodore Harriet Davies-Mullan said: “Moments like these capture how much members make the club. Without Helen, the club simply wouldn’t be what it is today.

“More than just buildings and boats, we are a true community looking after each other, united by our love of the water.”

For more information on the club, visit www.gravesendsailingclub.co.uk