A WINDERMERE schoolboy has become a National Sailing Champion following his victory in the Laser Inland National Championships at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.

Joe Baker, who attends Windermere School, saw off the challenge of thirty-five other hopefuls to take the trophy.

In possibly the lightest winds Joe has ever sailed in, he secured a fourth place in Race One and, despite a poor start, came from the back of the fleet to pull away and win in Race Two, securing him his first National Title.

Graeme Rowe, Royal Yachting Association Principal and Chief Sailing Instructor at Windermere School said, “We are all so proud of Joe. This is a fantastic result, the first of many I’m sure, and is a reflection of the effort he has put into his sailing over the last few years.”

Xu Lijia, 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist in the Women’s Laser Radial Class and flag bearer for China at the closing ceremony, presented Joe with his trophy.

Baker said: “I want to continue my journey with the GB Sailing Team and learn as much as I can and then put it all into practice and win races.

"My ultimate ambition is simple.....to be the best that I can be!”