OLYMPIC windsurfing hopeful Izzy Hamilton has gained an all-important sponsorship deal from local business Basepoint.

The 22-year-old, originally from Bude in Cornwall is now on the Olympic Windsurfing Tour as part of the British Sailing Team.

Hamilton has just returned from Cesme, Turkey where she was competing in the RS:X Olympic Class European Championships.

She said: “It was a tough week of racing with very strong winds and high temperatures.

This meant we did not get very many races over the six days but enough to make a good championship and fair racing.

“My highlight of the week was winning the second race on day one. It was my favourite conditions, similar to a typical day in Port-land Harbour, flat water and 14 knots.”

Hamilton finished the event in 13th, a position she was very pleased with.

Now, she is back to training ahead of the Olympic Test Event, which will be held in Rio during August.

The whole of the British Sailing Team will be rac- ing there and hopefully will gain plenty of knowledge ready for the Olympics in 2016.

Weymouth company Basepoint have supported Hamilton for the last two competitions by purchasing a racing sail for her.

She added: “Without the generosity of companies it would be almost impossible to race at a high international standard.

“I am so happy to be working with a company in the Weymouth area.”