Young Draycote sailor James Knight  has won a national competition at this year’s RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show held at Alexandra Palace .

Nine-year-old James has won the RYA and RS Sailing ‘Design a Sail Sticker’ competition and finds himself the proud owner of his very own personalised RS Tera sailing dinghy worth £2,050.

As part of the prize, Draycote Water Sailing Club also receives the loan of another two RS Teras for club use for the 2015 season (April-November).

More than 80 youngsters took part in the competition to design, colour and decorate an RS sail sticker. In a new twist for 2015, the winning design was secretly created into a RS sail sticker for the new boat.

“Having a Tera with my very own designed sail is awesome!” said James. “I will love sailing her.”

James only started sailing last year. His father Richard said “I am hoping his sailing skills will soon be as good as his design skills!”

Club Commodore Phillip Hunt said “Congratulations to young James, this is a fantastic achievement. As a club, we put a lot of effort into getting youngsters on the water with training and coaching and now there is one more reason for potential young sailors to come down to the club – to see James’ new sail!”

Give sailing a go…

The club, is offering RYA courses at half-term and throughout the summer holidays for youngsters aged 8 to 14 at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

They will be learning in a selection of club boats which have been designed specifically for young people and include Teras, Picos and Fevas. All sailing kit is provided.

In addition, the club has an active and enthusiastic Youth & Junior Club which runs on Saturday mornings for beginners and improvers and includes a range of other fun and social activities through the summer.

To find out more contact Dave Rowe training@draycotewater.co.uk 01788 814418 or online at http://draycotewater.co.uk/training/.