SAM Whaley has received a bid in his boost for Olympic sailing gold in 2020.

Poole-based specialist marine electronics company Actisense has confirmed a sponsorship deal with the Wareham youngster.

Whaley, 21, approached the company to support him in his bid for glory in Tokyo – the sailing is to be held at Enoshima.

The sailor is from Swanage but does much of his training in Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth.

A three-time national sailing champion, a few weeks ago he won his first world championship.

Phil Whitehurst, founder and CEO of the Actisense brand, said: “When I received Sam’s email introducing himself, I was immediately impressed by his obvious passion and commitment to his sport and to his ambition of becoming an Olympic champion.

“I’m a keen sailor myself and set up the Actisense brand with the aim of creating products that would make sailing a safer pursuit for all.

“As a company, we are always looking for ways to give something back to the community. Supporting Sam in his bid for Olympic gold is the perfect partnership for us.”

Sam is a full-time sailor in the British Sailing Team Olympic Programme.

He needs sponsorship to cover a variety of expenses, including the purchase of a new boat, essential for a top performance; to cover his costs for training in Portugal over the coming winter months; and his costs for taking part in the Sailing World Cup Miami in 2019.

Whaley said: “I approached Actisense because I knew of their commitment to the marine industry and their reputation for professional excellence and innovation.

“Phil and his team responded so positively to my request.

“They’ve been brilliant and their support will be a great help.

“I’m really looking forward to working with them and sharing this journey with them.”