Penarth lads in victorious crew

7:10am Thursday 20th November 2008

A GROUP of Welsh sailors - including two Penarth boys - have won one of the most prestigious British competitions, Ollie Harrison, 13, and Matthew Whitfield, 11, are now part of the only team in the championships to boast a 100 per cent record.

Welsh squad sailors from North and South Wales joined forces to enter the Eric Twiname Team Racing Championships, with 28 teams from around Britain competing at the Oxford Sailing Club.

The lads were up against more experienced team competitors, had just five minutes to practice in the RS Feva competition boats, but still managed to come through thanks to their superior speed.

With Ollie and Matthew in the team were Toby Morsley, aged 13 from Portdinorwic; Connor McNamara, 13, from Llandudno; David Pain, 12, from Cardiff; and Nathan Thorne, 14, from Holyhead.

The Welsh team recorded five wins, the most satisfying being the victory against Hayling Island - whose top helm and crew combination were the RS Feva World Champions.

Welsh Yachting Association director of sailing Tim Hall said: "This is a great result for these sailors, all of whom are past or present members of the Welsh sailing squads."