“A DREAM come true” happened for talented young Weymouth windsurfer Tom Wells.

The 19-year-old has recently received state of the art windsurfing kit as part of a sponsorship deal.

Delighted to receive support from the Official Test Centre (OTC), Neil Pryde and JP-Australia, he said: “To be representing these brands and to be using this equipment is a dream come true for me.

“Both brands are well established in the windsurfing world and these sails and boards are considered to be some of the very best that you can buy. The sails are even used by the current world champion in slalom and were used by the holder of the world windsurfing speed record over five-hundred metres.”

Wasting no time in trialling the equipment, Wells said: “I have tried a couple of the new sails and I’m astonished at the level of detail and precision the sail designers have gone to in creating a race winning sail.

“It is clear to me, when I’m using them, that they are a world class.”

Wells, who has competed in the slalom discipline for some years has already enjoyed much success.

Last season, his best result was at the Harwich British Slalom Association (BSA) event where he placed second in the professional fleet and he frequently places as first under-20 in most competitions.

A dedicated competitor, he spends a lot of time training on and off the water. Referring to this, he said: “On the water, my main focus is getting my new equipment tuned and ready for the upcoming season.

“This involves swapping and changing different set-ups to find the perfect settings and combinations for maximum speed and performance. I am also practising starts and gybes.

“Off the water, I’m spending most days in the gym and trying to gain as much strength and weight as possible before the first event.”

Wells will be aiming high this year as he hopes to finish in the top three overall in the BSA Series as well as achieve a couple of first positions in the Events.

The next event for Wells will be at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in early April. His new equipment will be used for the entire BSA Series, Weymouth Speed Week and international competitions.

When asked about why he was so successful, he said it was partly due to the support and encouragement of his family and now, moving to the next level of achievement, he said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my sponsors, OTC, Neil Pryde, JP-Australia as none of this would be possible without them and I can’t wait to get on the race course and achieve my goals.”