Sam Avant, 15, has lived in Weymouth all his life.

His first real taste of sailing arrived when he joined the Wey Valley School.

Along with several other youngsters, he was funded by local charity. the Will Mackaness Trust.

The trust was set up to encourage young people to participate in watersports who might not otherwise have done so.

Avant achieved his Royal Yachting Association sailing qualifications through the support of the trust.

While gaining all four of the levels, he developed a passion for dinghy sailing and racing.

He said: “I am addicted to the adrenalin rush when racing in Weymouth Bay and I’m very keen to progressively improve my performance and results.”

Recently, he has been racing a Topper but his favourite dinghy to date is a Dart 16, which is not only fast but also had a trapeze he enjoyed using.

His current project is restoring a Laser dinghy in time to participate in the racing from Weymouth Sailing Club, which starts after Easter.

As well as being driven to achieve good results, Avant also enjoys “just being on the water with others”.

The young sailor has much potential and is one to watch during the next season.