Ilkley’s Hector Simpson has been named the RYA Yorkshire and Humber Young Sailor of the Year 2012.

A talented Laser sailor, Hector attends Bradford Grammar School and is a keen member of Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club.

“We are really thrilled to hear that Hector has won this fabulous award,” said club member Keith Escritt.

“He is a great competitor and sportsman and I would like to congratulate Hector on behalf of the club.”

Hector competed in the 2012 RYA Volvo Youth National Championship at Pwllheli, Wales where he was crowned Laser Standard Youth National Champion, a title that he will defend in Largs, Scotland in April.

“I am very proud and I feel honoured to have won the RYA Yorkshire and Humber Young Sailor Award,” said Hector. “I owe my success to lots of people who have helped and coached me over the past few years.

“I began sailing about ten years ago and when I was 11 I applied for the RYA Volvo Zone Squad. After that, under the guidance of coaches Martin Boatman and Dave Hivey, I really caught the racing bug.”

“I am studying for A’levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics so juggling time between sailing and studying is hard, especially as a lot of training and competitions take place down on the south coast.”

He added: “I’m training with the RYA Volvo Laser Standard National Youth Squad over the winter,” said Hector.

“My competition schedule for 2013 depends on how well this training goes but I’m hoping to be part of the GBR squad for some international competitions next summer.”