sailing and powerboating came to the fore in this year's BBC South Sports Awards when the winners of two categories came from the RYA Southern Region.

RYA Team GBR member Ben Ainslie, from Lymington, received the Tenon Yachtsperson of the Year Award. Ben made a remarkable transition from the Laser class, in which he won an Olympic gold medal, to the Finn class dinghy.

Returning from a period in America's Cup sailing in March 2002, he set his sights high. After only six months training, Ben won the Finn European Championship and Finn Gold Cup. In November he was presented with the International Sailing Federation's World Sailor of the Year award, for the second time in four years.

RYA Racing Manager John Derbyshire was pleased Ben's talent and achievements had been recognised as a local as well as international level. Ben will continue his coaching with the RYA's team in readiness for the Athens games.

Southampton based Steve Curtis won the Jasper and Vincent Sportsman of the Year Award. Steve is a four times World Class 1 Powerboat Racing Champion and this latest accolade topped off a superb year when he had smashed records to achieve the ultimate powerboat racing crown in Dubai.

Steve has proved an excellent ambassador for the sport of powerboat racing. In September this year he was giving aspiring youngsters tips to follow at the final of the Honda RYA National Youth RIB Championships held at Southampton Boat Show. John Puddifoot, Powerboat Racing Manager at the RYA said: "Steve contantly pushes himself, taking powerboat racing into new areas.

The profile of the sport is soaring with the growth of the one design class, of which Steve is a strong supporter. The RYA encourages participation at all ages and levels. Children from age 8 upwards can experience powerboat racing, developing skills in a safe environment with expert tuition."