TEENAGER Adam Greaves had a double surprise when he won his first trophy cup and a special award for volunteering at his Sailing club’s festive party.

The 14-year-old, who has amassed more than 160 hours volunteer time with SailLaser sailing school and achieved assistant instructor level, was thrilled with the unexpected accolades.

He was first presented with a sweatshirt embroidered with SailLaser Volunteer on the front and his name on the back and then the Laser Race Series 2010 trophy and certificate.

Twenty youngsters and eight adult volunteers attended the sailing school’s Race Club and OnBoard Club’s end of season party at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

Royal Manor pupil Greaves said it was great fun with good food, including a huge cake his mum had made and decorated, and lots of Christmas spirit.

The weather was particularly cold and windy, so the children stayed on dry land and enjoyed a boat auction.

Greaves, who was team leader of Team Four, said: “We were given a ‘bank’ of chewy sweets, which we had to use to bid for junk items to build a boat.

“We then launched our vessels into Portland Harbour, the one that went the furthest was deemed to have won.

“I am pleased to say that my team were the winners and took the prize of more chewy sweets.”

After the games, the prize-giving was held.

Greaves added: “The special sweatshirt I received for the hours that I had put in is awesome. I can’t wait until next February when I can wear it while helping to instruct at OnBoard Club.

“I was surprised and chuffed to bits to win the Laser Race Series 2010.

“This is the first cup that I have won for sailing and it means a lot to me.”

Proud mum Mandy Greaves said: “Adam has put in a lot of hard work this season and we are very proud of him and delighted that he has achieved first place.”

Richard White, the new commodore of Castle Cove Sailing Club, was also given a special award for the extra hours and effort that he has put in this year.

Hannah Burywood, youth development officer for SailLaser, said: “The idea behind the party was to give the sailors that have participated in our community clubs throughout the year a rewards ceremony for their commitment and participation also to give us a chance to thank our committed volunteers who give up their free time to come down and help.

“All of the volunteers were recognised for all of their hard work this year, of which Adam and Richard White were given special awards for the extra hours and effort that they have put in this year.”

She added: “Our OnBoard and Race Club will start on February 5 next year and we hope that it will follow the success of this year, if not better.”

Read Adam’s blog online at dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/afloat2012/