A SOUTHMINSTER based sailing company has added a promising youngster to its ranks.

Nick Evans, 11, from Colchester, has been chosen by Southminster company Allen Brothers to sail in a national competition this year.

He received a top class racing package from Allen Brothers managing director Liz Adams last Thursday, and will sail the Allen Academy Optimist.

Nick finished 55th in the Optimist Winter Championship last year and is ready to go again this time round.

He said: “I am really excited to have been awarded the Allen academy Optimist. Last year’s winner really moved up the rankings and with this support I am hoping I can do the same.

Managing Director, Liz Adams added: “It was a very hard decision this year, but we ultimately decided Nick would get the most out of the boat.

“We run the Allen Academy as part of Team Allen, which presently includes eight sailors in the British sailing squads for the Tokyo Olympics. We see this as a way of supporting the entire spectrum of our sport.

“It is wonderful to help a promising sailor like Nick at the start of what could be a great sailing career.”