A YOUNG sailor based at Restronguet beat 77 of his counterparts from the region to take home the RYA South West Zone Championship title.

Rufus Martin competed in the Optimist class at the event hosted by Paignton Sailing Club and the 12-year-old, who lives in Truro, finished just ahead of his friend Otis Chetwynd-Woods who sails at the same club as him.

Only a point separate the pair, but Martin nipped in front with three victories from the six races held over Saturday and Sunday.

The final race saw Martin and Chetwynd-Wood in a tight battle along with Anna Stover as the trio constantly overlapped each other during 40 minutes on the water.

Afterwards, the champion said he was delighted to succeed.

Martin, pictured below, said: β€œIt was really exciting over the whole weekend and very close against one my own club mates from Restronguet.

β€œI am extremely surprised and happy to win, even though it meant beating one of my great friends.”