A GRAPHIC designer from Portland has been named UK Ladies' Speedsailing Champion.

Windsurfer Linda Cleary of Easton claimed the title after achieving the fastest speed in the women's event at Weymouth Speed Week.

She said: "It's the first year I entered. It was very light winds but I managed to hit 20.10 knots and now I'm actually the UK Ladies' Speedsailing Champion.

"This year Weymouth Speed Week was recognised by the UK Windsurfing Association as a championship event and people were able to achieve UK ranking.

"So I'm really chuffed about that, it's pretty good. I've been sailing for a number of years but I hadn't taken speed sailing seriously until a couple of years ago.

"A friend competed at the last speed week so I thought this year I'd have a go.

"I'll definitely be back next year."

She added: "It was a great event in which to compete and a great experience.

"It was disappointing that the weather did not provide the best speed sailing conditions - it was easterly and really light. But it was great to see people achieving good speed nonetheless."

As well as being the British Speedsailing Championships, this year the longest-running speedsailing event was also part of the International Speedsailing Association World Cup series - with competitors able to gain ISA points for world rankings.

Holder of 38 world titles, Bjorn Dunkerbeck won the Pro Windsurfer event and claimed the Thommen Trophy for the fastest time of the week.

Nigel Spriggs won the Amateur Windsurfer event and claimed the title of UK Men's Speedsailing Champion.

For full results visit www.speedsailing.com