A GROUP of young sailors from East Lancashire have returned from a national competition after setting their sails for the county against 300 nautical stars from across the country.

Led by 17-year-old team captain Sam Neild, from Blackburn, the 13-strong Lancashire squad held their own against much larger county fleets at the National Schools Sailing Association youth regatta at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.

Almost 300 youngsters from across the UK took part in the event, and, with wind varying from non-existent – and racing cancelled – to lively, the races were sedate rather than dramatic.

Other teams members were Alistair Humphries, 17, from Lytham St Annes, Jonny Baines, 17, from Dolphinholme, Frankie Counsell, 16, from Little Eccleston, Rachael Love, 15, from Blackburn, brothers Sam and Matt Donaldson, 17 and 16, David Rowlands, 16, all from Freckleton, Chris Tomlins, 14, from Darwen, sisters Elle and Izzy Hopkins, 17 and 12, from Chapeltown, Duncan Boyter, 15, from Leigh, and Alexandra McLoughlin, 15, from Summerseat.

Derbyshire were winners, with Lancashire half-way down the fleet.

Next year’s event will be held at the Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth, just before the world’s best compete for gold.