TWO local teenagers made their mark sailing in the Volvo RYA Youth Championship and World Trials.
The team finished first in the Hobie 16 class. Ben Mansfield, aged 15, from Hamble and Ben Hinks, aged 14, from Netley Abbey led the fleet from day one, winning five out of the 10 races during the week.
This success has also qualified them for entry into the Volvo RYA national youth squad, which is funded by Volvo Car UK and the Sport England Lottery Fund, and they are now planning to compete in a number of national and international events.
Both of the boys were inspired, by their parents to start sailing at an early age.
The 'Bens' both started their sailing careers in Optimists but outgrew these dinghies about a year go. They first moved into the Laser Radial class, and were later introduced to catamaran sailing through the RYA Hobie Dragoon Catamaran Development Squad, progressing into a Hobie 16 in January this year.
The youngsters are very pleased with the week's results and are now hoping to find sponsorship as they estimate that the annual price of the campaign is in the region of £3,000 or more.
Anyone interested in helping can call Ben Mansfield on 07771 967659.
Over the next two years the Southampton pair aim to qualify for the 2004 ISAF worlds - and then, perhaps, beyond that, for the Olympics.
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