TALENTED Topper sailors from Dorset have been recognised for their sailing success.

Oliver Fellows and Will Adler, both Thomas Hardye School students are now part of the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) National Topper Squad.

Only 16 of the country’s best sailors make up the elite squad which aims to bridge the pathway from club to Olympic Sailing.

As a member of the national squad, they will attend weekend and residential training camps around the country this winter and during next year.

They are also entitled to free gym membership and are encouraged to apply for sponsorship to support their campaigns.

Both sailors have shown exceptional dedication to the sport and recently spent six hours on the water racing in Portland Harbour.

Fellows said: “Being offered a place in the RYA Topper National Squad is a great opportunity to sail and train with RYA coaches for a year and improve my competitive sailing.

“My goals for next year are to focus on my fitness levels to improve stamina, work on my race strategy and sail consistently over the five national sailing events next year.

“I am looking forward to competing in the Topper World Championships in France in July.”

Adler also plans to develop even more over the winter with help from the national squad team.

He said: “I got into the national squad which I am very happy about.

“I am hoping to improve my sailing over the winter and come racing season, I hope to be competing at the top of the fleet.

“I’m aiming for top 10s at most National Series events and some podium positions.”

Anyone wishing to support these two up-and-coming young sailors can make contact through Castle Cove Sailing Club.