HRH The Princess Royal visited Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) on Monday 20th June 2011 to officially name the new Active Nation vessel.

The new keelboat is set to be used by dozens of disabled sailors in Southampton to boost their skills and discover the joy of sailing. The Paralympic-class keelboat will be part of the Royal Yachting Association's Sailability scheme, which the princess is a Patron of.

Supporters of the charity including record-breaking disabled sailor Geoff Holt, watched as the princess performed a traditional naming ceremony.

Paying tribute to the charity's volunteers, The Princess Royal said: "It's a pleasure to see so many people here who have supported Southampton Water Activities Centre for 25 years and Sailability more recently.

"I think traditionally it's expected and it's entirely appropriate to say may God bless her and all who sail in her."

The boat was named Active Rupert, in memory of Rupert Spurling who designed the Active Nation brand and passed away suddenly last year.

Since RYA Sailability at SWAC was launched in June 2009, the scheme has grown from strength to strength, each year welcoming new supporters with a wide range of needs. Twenty five supporters are currently attending the programme and all of them are progressing through the sport of sailing, developing new skills and experiencing huge pleasure through being active.