Teenager wins top young sailor award

Dec 10 2007 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A SCHOOLBOY from Sunderland has been named as the Royal Yachting Association’s North East Young Sailor of the year.

Michael Matthews, 14, from Longmeadows, East Herrington, was awarded the Trident Trophy after a highly successful year which included being selected for the RYA National Topper squad.

Toppers are single dinghy boats sailed by youngsters. Michael had been a member of the regional NE Zone Topper squad for the previous two years.

Michael, who attends St Aidan’s School in Sunderland, said: “I was surprised when I found out I had won. I’ve been sailing since I was six or seven, I started with my dad and I really enjoy it. I sail with Sunderland Yacht Club and practice once a week and travel all over the country to regattas. I’d love to go on now and represent the country at the Olympics.”

As well as being a member of the National Topper Squad, Michael also achieved some impressive results in 2007, including becoming Trident-UK RYA NE Travellers Series Champion.

He was selected to represent Great Britain at the Irish Topper National Championships, winning one race and finishing sixth overall, plus he attended his first ever Topper World Championships at Lake Garda in Italy, achieving a place in the Gold Fleet at his first attempt.

Michael was presented with his trophy by RYA NE Chairman David Wheldon, who said: “Michael is a talented young sailor and is a role model to junior members in Sunderland Yacht Club due to his commitment and dedication.”

Michael will now represent the RYA North East Region at the Raymarine National Young Sailor of the Year Award ceremony in London next month.

Dame Ellen MacArthur and Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie are both previous winners.