A TALENTED young sailor from Poole is riding the crest of a wave after being crowned British Junior National Champion, a trophy won by Olympic champion Sir Ben Ainslie in 1989.

Ever since he was eight years old, Freddie Howarth from Branksome Park in Poole, has been following in the wake of his two older sisters who are also keen sailors.

Freddie, now 12, who is a member of Poole Yacht Club, won the Mudeford Regatta at the age nine before shortly afterwards qualifying for the South Zone squad.

Following a hard winter's training, the Lytchett Minster pupil competed at numerous events around the country, sailing his first international event in Holland and also representing GBR at the Irish Nationals.

This year has seen Freddie competing for GBR in Belgium and Ireland including this year's British National & Open Championships at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy which attracted more than 380 sailors, including 91 from aboard, representing a total of 16 nations.

After competing in 13 races across the week in breezy conditions, Freddie was crowned British Junior National Champion, picking up the trophy which is inscribed with all the former winners, including that of Sir Ben Ainslie - the most successful Olympic sailor of all time.

Freddie said: "I was really excited when I crossed the finish line and realised I was the junior champion and that all the hard work had finally paid off."

Now Freddie is hoping to qualify for the national squad in 2018 and represent his country at international events around the world.