YOUNG yachtsman Simon Lord swept all before him in his Laser craft in the Minnis Bay Sailing Club events.

He fought off a concerted challenge from his parents and fellow club enthusiasts Ian and Shan to take the coveted Thanet Bowl for the overall dinghy winner.

The 18-year-old from Cliftonville, near Margate, has a clutch of trophies to highlight his supremacy on the waves – which is all the more remarkable as he has only been sailing for four years and only the last two skippering his solo Laser craft.

In the last racing season from March to October, Simon picked up first place in the Icicle Tankard Trophy Race, the Easter Race Series, the Summer Race Series and the Autumn Race Series. He finished runner up in the Galleon trophy Race and came third in the Spring Race Series.

The Chatham House Grammar School sixth former hopes to continue his love of the sport at Southampton University when he leaves school next summer.

He has already enjoyed success in the Kent Schools Sailing Association events and hopes to compete at national level next year.

He began crewing with his father four years ago, spent his first solo season two years ago getting the feel of his craft, and then took the helm for a stunning season of outstanding performances this year.

He said: "It is a terrific sport. It takes a lot of fitness and stamina, concentration and technique, skill, desire and determination. You take quite a few knocks along the way – I have gathered numerous bumps and bruises and damaged my hand ligaments when my craft turned over and I was clinging on in heavy seas. But this is all part of one of the most exhilarating sports there is.

"I am determined to be the best and really went for it this season. I worked hard and thought about each race in depth, working out tactics and strategy. I try to test myself at each race, even if I am winning. I want to do different things each time and keep learning. It really is a passion for me."

* Earlier this year CHS student Lewis Stone has won the National Youth Champion title in the Laser Vago racing dinghy class beating competition from around the UK and Ireland.

* The late former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, a former student at Chatham House, was a keen sailor and won the Admirals Cup in his yacht Morning Cloud in the 1970s.