AN accomplished Laser Radial sailor from Dorchester has been nominated for a major accolade.

Jack Cookson has made the final six for the Yachts and Yachting Youth Sailor of the Year Award.

The youth category is designed to recognise the best and most prominent performances of the 2015 season, and this year the level of competition has been very high.

The 18-year-old, who is a member of Castle Cove Sailing Club, has had an incredible year of sailing.

In the Laser Radial class, Cookson won the UK Youth National Championship title from a strong fleet of more than 60 other sailors.

He then tasted success internationally when he claimed bronze at the Youth European Championships in Portugal.

And at the European Sailing Federation’s European Championship in France, Cookson stole the show by winning gold, a remarkable achievement for the teenager.

He also gained a seventh place at the Youth World Championships in Canada.

The Yachts and Yachting awards are made up of 14 categories which range from equipment innovation to achievement of the year.

Cookson has undoubtedly worked exceptionally hard this season and fully deserves his nomination.

Others vying for the youth sailor award are Eleanor Poole, Will Heritage, Fin and Dan Armstrong, Mimi El-Khazindar and Emma Loveridge, and Rhys Lewis.

You can vote for Cookson at yachtsandyachting.co.uk/awards2016