THE 2020 Olympic Games may well see a competitor from Weymouth in the line-up.

Sam Barker from Castle Cove Sailing Club is embarking on his sailing campaign in the Nacra 17 catamaran.

His aim is to be selected to represent Great Britain at the Games in Tokyo, Japan.

From an early age, the 21-year-old has successfully competed in various classes and demonstrated his versatility and ability.

His talent has won him many titles in the past including at the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Youth National Championships.

He has been the Youth National champion in the Spitfire class for two consecutive years.

He said: “Winning the RYA Youth Nationals for a second successive year with a perfect scoreline was a highlight of 2015.”

In 2015, Barker also joined some of the best sailors in the Europe to compete at the Texel Dutch Open.

In an F18, he won the major title.

With such a promising track record, Barker has now invested in the purchase of a Nacra 17, which will be the first step on the road to the Tokyo.

The boat has required extensive work and he said: “Over the past few weeks, I have been working on the Nacra getting it ready for the season.

“This includes polishing, new ropes and setting up these complex curved daggerboards which makes the boat interest- ing to sail.”

With the work now completed, he is looking forward to having the right weather conditions to get on the water and put it through its paces. In preparation for the start of the season, he will be spending as much time on the water as possible.

In particular, one of the events he is looking forward to participating in is the Delta Lloyd Regatta.

It will be the qualifying event for the Sail for Gold Regatta which will take place at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

Places at the regatta are highly-prized and are only available to the best in their class from around the world.

Alongside campaigning with the Nacra 17, he is also planning to compete in an International 14 at the World Championships in Carnac, France.

Barker said: “I would to say thank you to everyone including my mum and dad who have helped me get this far and for their continued support.”

Elite competition is an expensive activity and Barker will be looking to attract sponsorship for his journey to the Olympics.

If anyone is interested in this unique opportunity to support a young, talented and committed competitor, please contact me on emmaafloat@gmail.com to take this further.