Sailors excel at national championships

The event features around 250 of the country's best youth sailors competing over five days.

Max Richardson of Watermill Lane finished second with crew Alex Groves in the 29er class.

After six races conditions became too windy for sailing, and the competition ended.

Their placing will qualify them for extra grant money in future events.

Richardson, a member of Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club, is aiming to be a participant in the 2012 Olympics at Weymouth.

Only one boat per participating class is allowed to represent their country, and competition is fierce.

The 29er is a light, fast type of skiff used particularly by young people. Richardson and Groves, from Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club, have been training on the vessels larger cousin, the 49er with Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy.

A spokesperson from Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club said he would expect Richardson, 17, to "do well," at the championships.

He said: He is a highly promising polite young sailor who has been a member of Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club for several years.

"He has done well in National and International competitions so far."

Freddie Connor and Ben Slater of Bexhill also achieved top results.

Connor finished sixth from a fleet of 48 in the Laser Radial class, and Ben Slater ninth from 24 in the Laser Standard class.