PORTLAND youngster Adam Greaves is yet again creating waves in the local sailing community.

The island sailor, pictured, is a familiar sight at both the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and Weymouth Sailing Club.

Not only has Greaves participated in many events as a competitive sailor, he has also given many volunteer hours to support local sailing activities.

Most recently, he was assisting with Princess Anne’s visit to the Youth National Championships and, prior to that, taught several Sailability sessions as part of the Royal Yachting Association’s programme to encourage those with disabilities to sail.

Greaves has sailed on many different boats, starting with Optimist, and including the Tall Ship Pelican.

The Thomas Hardye School student said: “My best sailing experience took place in a 49er with the Great Britain sailors.

“It was my first experience on a skiff and just to feel how responsive and high performance the boat is was amazing.

“I got to both helm and crew whilst on the trapeze. We even capsized.”

Last year provided the youngster with his best ever sailing achievement, crewing aboard the Laser 28 Farr Out.

Greaves took part in the race to France as part of Weymouth Sailing Club’s memorable centenary celebrations.

He added: “The whole weekend was one of the best of my life so far, and it was my first time anywhere other than England.”

Regularly sailing on Farr Out gave him other skills including “teamwork and sorting out problems while under pressure”.

Greaves enjoys his role as a sailing instructor and this year hopes to obtain his senior instructors’ qualification.

On the instructing role, he said: “I love the job I do and the people I get to meet and work with.

“I get a lot of pleasure watching and encouraging others to enjoy sailing as much as I do.”

This year, he is hoping to take part in more yachting events including the iconic and challenging Round the Island Race in the summer.

He also wants to keep his personal dinghy sailing up and compete in local races.

His favourite dinghy is the Laser as it can be used for both competing in a large fleet as well as for fun sailing.

Greaves has contributed much to the local sailing scene and the community is lucky to have someone as committed and enthusiastic as him.