SAM Whaley was the toast of Swanage after retaining his RS Aero 7s title at the UK National Championship.

The 21-year-old finished well clear of runner-up Roscoe Martin from Ogston, while younger brother Ben Whaley claimed fifth in a strong field in the class.

Crowned champion at Hayling Island 12 months ago, Sam Whaley repeated his exploits at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club in Abersoch.

He registered two race wins and two second places in challenging conditions on the North Wales coast.

Brother Ben overcame an indifferent start and finished strongly to record two race wins.

Sam Whaley said: "After winning last year, it was great to claim the national title again in light and shifty winds.

"We had a mixture of conditions, with a lot of rain on day one.

"It gradually cleared throughout the four-day competition and ended up with shifty winds under sunny skies on the final day.

"With 70 boats in total, the racing was very tough and my younger brother Ben managed to finish fifth overall, which was also a great result given the light winds."

Sam, who started dinghy racing with brother Ben at Swanage Sailing Club, made his debut for the British laser squad at the World Cup Series in Hyères, France in April.

Competing against Olympic, World and European champions, he finished a respectable 42nd overall.