YOUNGSTER Scott Chudley has been demonstrating his dedication to sailing by giving up his spare time to volunteer at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).

Chudley started sailing through the Sail for a Fiver scheme, sponsored at the time by the Chesil Trust, when he was only nine years old.

It was also at this age that he began to volunteer at the WPNSA in various roles along with his parents and older brother – he dedicated all his weekends and holidays in 2012.

He said: “This included many things such as being in charge of the tally board at large events to being on the ribs and the committee boats.”

Last summer he also had the opportunity to learn new skills and was the assistant race officer at a national Laser event, a role which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Always thinking of others, when the Bridport Lions Club awarded him £100 in recognition of his services, he gave half to Weymouth RNLI and used the rest to buy a new buoyancy aid.

More recently, Chudley was lucky enough to sail on the Challenger Yacht on a journey from from Portsmouth to Guer-nsey.

While aboard he achieved the Royal Yachting Association competent crew award and climbed 92 feet to the top of the mast twice, an experience which he says is his favourite.

He has also qualified as an assistant instructor for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre.

On that, he added: “Being part of the great legacy teaching young people how to sail is fantastic – it is what Andrew loved most.

“I was very lucky to have met Andrew and his fellow Olympic sailors and this year I have met his children and been on the water with them.

“I feel very privileged to have been given this amazing opportunity.”

Chudley has his own sailing dinghy and has competed in the National Schools and south west zone events.

But because of the many hours he gives to helping others he does not have the time to pursue competitive sailing at the moment.

In the future, Chudley is hoping to become a dinghy instructor, as well as a national and international race officer.

“I would like to thank the Andrew Simpson Foundation, WPNSA, On Board and my school (Sir John Colfox) for giving me the time and encouraging me, also all the people who have helped me.”

Chudley is now preparing to sail in the Bart’s Bash Race on September 21.

Anyone who wants to help with sponsorship can go to justgiving.com/bb-scott-chudley.