WEYMOUTH speed sailor Mark Matthews is set for a trip of a lifetime next summer, as he secured a spot in the ISWC European Championship, as part of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge.

Coming back from a reconstructed shoulder after tendon, ligament and cartilage damage in March, the fearless paceman, who is part of the Portland Pirates’ team, recorded over 32 knots on the water at Weymouth Speed Week to finish 10th in the overall standings and top his fleet in the amateur ranks.

That performance saw the 41-year-old, the son of Brian Matthews who the annual Harbour Dash was founded in memory of, grab free entry into the European event, due to take place in Fuerteventura at the end of June.

“I wanted to enter speed week for around 20 years or so but I never got around to it. This year I thought it was about time I did it,” he added.

“I went in there and, on a windy day when it is hard work, I excelled. I came high up on the British speed ladder, I won my fleet and came 10th overall.

“I beat pro sailors and all sorts but I do sail competitively and it is my own local spot.

“My sister was in speed week in the early 80s, and we used to have people come over and stay with us during it.

“It was good fun to enter it and get the result.”

Looking ahead to Fuerteventura, Matthews, who took up the sport at the age of eight and took the sport back up in 2009, added: “It was a promotional prize, obviously the entrance fee is already done but there are other costs to go with it.

“There is no reason why I couldn’t go and get a good result.

“I have never sailed there but to get in the top 10 would be ideal.

“The promotion for the event is to get youngsters and people who are retired into speed sailing out on the water and having fun at the end of the day.”