Commodore David Beer stepped down from the helm of Lyme Regis Sailing Club after four years at the helm.

He was replaced by Jeremy Rook, who was the sailing secretary.

David has steered the club through some difficult times.

In his retiring speech he noted successes such as Bart’s Bash, the Jubilee Sail Past by 70 boats when he was at the helm of PJ with the civic party on board with Chelsea Pensioners Alex and Stan, and the Laser Masters National championships.

David was also Commodore in 1995 when the club moved to its present clubhouse, making a total of seven years in all.

He has sailed a Laser since 1974 when he competed at the first Laser National Championships and regularly takes part in local, national and international events.

Members showed their appreciation by presenting David with a voucher for CoastalWatersports, a Richard Austin photography book as David’s other hobby is photography, and an image of him presenting club prizes.

He was given a standing ovation as he handed over the Commodore’s burgee to Jeremy.

David Stubbs was elected as Vice Commodore, Alan Cottis remains as Rear Commodore and Hilton Davis comes in as the second Rear Commodore. A strong committee of experienced sailors is set to plan for the coming season.

The final race of the main sailing programme, the Prescott Trophy, was sailed last week with more than 20 competing boats. There will be a winter series. The youth prize giving takes place on Saturday before the town bonfire, the club dinner and prize giving is on November 22 at the golf club. The club welcomes new members, all information on lymeregissailingclub.org