A TALENTED young sailor has been rewarded for his exceptional recent form with a prestigious national squad selection.

Freddie MacLaverty, a Year 7 pupil at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, has been called-up to the Team GB National Youth squad for their winter training programme in his single-handed Tera boat.

This represents a significant achievement for the Llandudno Sailing Club member, who has achieved a considerable amount in a short space of time both individually and alongside boat partner Keira Luke.

The pair recent came away with the U18 general handicap fleet title at the British Youth Sailing Welsh Regional Championships despite being just 11-years-of-age, in addition to scooping the mixed boat crown at the showcase.

Freddie has been a member of RYA Cymru Wales national youth squads for a considerable period and has also competed at the World Championships to further enhance his experience in a competitive environment.

Sally Ann Harding, head of senior school at Rydal Penrhos, said: “This is an absolutely tremendous achievement and one that Freddie can be enormously proud of.

“He is a hugely gifted sailor who not only possesses a natural ability to perform well under pressure, but also works incredibly hard to improve his substantial skill-set in order to reach his long and short-term goals.

“Being part of the Team GB set-up for their winter training programme is going to be a massive boost to his overall development and everyone at Rydal Penrhos wishes him the very best of luck.”