SWANAGE’S Sam Whaley capped a memorable season by claiming the RS Aero World Championship at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

The 21-year-old rising star saw off the challenge of more than 200 competitors to win the honours in the RS Aero Gold fleet.

Whaley, who hopes to represent Great Britain in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, has enjoyed a fine season on the water.

He retained his RS Aero 7s title at the UK National Championship in June and also won the Laser Nationals in Plymouth in August.

Whaley, who also represented Team GB at the World Cup in April, said: “Competition was tough but I was very happy to find some really good speed to win 11 out of 12 races held over five days of varying conditions.

“It was a great boost to see my training is really paying off and gives me real confidence as I try to push forward and win on the Olympic circuit.

“I am now heading into winter training where I will be pushing myself hard as part of the British Sailing team, preparing to be at my peak performance for the Laser World Championship in Japan next summer.

“I am currently focusing on improving my strength and fitness as well as creating new partnerships with local companies to ensure I have the backing to be able to compete at this highest level.

"Hopefully, it will be an exciting couple of months ahead.”

More details on Whaley’s sailing can be found on his website www.samwhaley.com.