A TALENTED young sailor is hoping to make waves as he takes on the nation’s best.

James Taylor, from Stoke Poges, will compete against more than 385 of the UK’s finest young dinghy racers and windsurfers at the RYA Youth National Championships.

The racers set sail in the Olympic waters of Weymouth and Portland on the south coast on today (Monday) and the action will continue until Friday (18).

The 17-year-old finished fifth with his former sailing partner Tom Lovesey at last year’s event in Scotland, and hopes to do one better this year as he is partnered with last year’s champion Tim Riley, from Hampshire.

The Burnham Grammar School pupil, who will be competing in the 420 dinghy class, said: “We are feeling confident ahead of the regatta. Our fitness is good in the run up to the event which will allow us to perform well throughout the long days on the water. It’s not going to be easy though.

“Last year I was helming for this regatta and now I crew. Last year I finished fifth and learnt that being consistent is key as you only have the one discard. The mind-set however is still very similar to when I was a helm, but I just have a different job to do.” This year is James’ final year of the RYA Youth Racing programme before making the transition into the Olympic classes, and the national championships will double up as a selection event for the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal in July.

John Derbyshire, RYA racing manager and performance director, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming the nations brightest and best talent to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy for a great week of competition.

“Not only is the event a high profile multi-class selection opportunity, it’s also a huge spectacle, great fun and a fantastic showcase for our sport and platform for young sailors, including those new to their youth boats, to develop their skills.”