YOUNG sailor Alex McFarlane, 14, has thrived during his sailing season with many noteworthy achievements.

This year, McFarlane has competed in all of the major Topper dinghy class events.

This has taken him to various locations across the UK.

He said: “I have been to Queen Mary Reservoir, Paignton, Phwelli, Rutland and Derwent Reservoir in Northumberland.

“I have also competed locally at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).”

The youngster insists that his favourite event was the prestigious Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Eric Twiname Champion-ships back in May.

He was selected with other top sailors to take part in the event held at Rutland Sailing Club, where there were more than 240 other competitors.

The weekend had very strong winds and was clearly a very successful event for him.

He said: “My best result was in the Eric Twiname Champion-ships.

“I managed to win every race. I also improved a lot since the year before at the National Championships in Wales.”

Over this season, his personal goal was to gain a place in the highly sought after RYA Topper Intermediate UK squad.

All the nat-ional events he competed in contributed to his overall ranking, which earned him a place.

He said: “I was delighted to be offered a place which has set me up for a brilliant winter’s training.

“I have already attended two out of eight squad camps with great coaches and other sailors. This will help set me up for next year’s events.

“Along with my fitness training and time on the water at my sailing club, Castle Cove, I intend to compete at all the National Championships and the World Championships at Lake Garda in Italy.”

As well as this, next year, he would like a top-10 result at the Topper National Championships, fortunately being held at the WPNSA.

He added: “As this will be my last year in junior sailing, I will be starting my transition into a Laser. My first event in my new class will be the Youth National Championships, held at WPNSA at Easter.”

McFarlane is a very promising sailor who is committed to improving and achieving excellent results.