HAMPSHIRE girl Bonnie Holt has been named regional winner in the BT British Nautical Awards.

She wins the Marina Developments and Yachting Journalists Association young sailor of the year award for the Royal Yachting Association in the south. Bonnie, 17, is studying A levels at Havant College and has been sailing since the age of ten.

She began by sailing Toppers and reached tenth position in the European national ranking before changing to a Laser Radial last year.

Her achievements in the Laser class include first girl overall in the UKSA Radial Grand Prix Spring Series; first girl in the RYA Youth Nationals /Youth World Trials and first girl UKSA Radial Grand Prix Autumn 1 and 2 series. Her current national ranking in the Laser Radial is first lady.

She is a member of the British Youth Squad, the Hampshire Youth Sailing Squad and Locks Sailing Club at Southsea.

"I have had a very successful year and am very pleased to have won the southern region MDL YJA young sailor of the year award," she said. "Next year. I'm hoping to compete with the youth World Trials in October at Falmouth."

It is the first year that MDL has sponsored the YJA Young Sailor award which is designed to recognise endeavour and achievement by young sailors in any discipline of the sport.

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