SAILING: A KEEN sailor from Warwick bagged a top ten finish in a historic race in Dorset to celebrate 70 years of the Optimist.
Orkun Soyer, who is originally from Turkey, travelled down to Weymouth with Steve Irish and Any Clay.
The trio all represented Draycote Water Sailing Club in the race which celebrates one of the most popular sailing boats for youngsters.
Soyer finished a remarkable fourth while Irish came home in 7th with Clay two places behind in 9th.
Held during the 2017 Volvo Gill British National and Open Championships at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the event attracted 380 young sailors from across the UK and abroad.
All but five participants in the 40-competitor race were adults – the adults boasting national and world titles among their honours.
Five other competitors were youngsters that were handed a golden ticket to take part. They competed in boats generously loaded by sailors taking part in the nationals.
Unsurprisingly the first three places were taken by recent Optimist National Champions who were still small enough to fit into the boats and remember how to sail them.
Jeremy Atkins, Draycote Water Sailing Club’s Commodore, congratulated the trio.
He said: “The Soyer family are enthusiastic and capable sailors who can often be seen practising at Draycote.
“They show that sailing is a great sport that the whole family can enjoy together.
“I knew Orkun was a great sailor, but to beat so many famous sailors in this race was a fantastic achievement.”
