COMPETITIVE racing, sunshine and the chance to meet the stars of the Sailing world set a national regatta for preparatory schools off to a great start.

Olympic bronze medallist Chris Draper and his 49er teammate Peter Greenhalgh, Olympian Saskia Clark and her 470 helm Hannah Mills surprised young competitors at the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) National Sailing Regatta when they turned up to present the trophies.

The regatta returned to the borough for its second year with twice the number of competitors and twice as many races.

A total of 66 youngsters from across the United Kingdom competed in the under-11 races on Thursday at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, followed by 72 under-13 competitors on Friday.

Hosted by Leweston Prep School, near Sherborne and run by SailLaser Weymouth the event on 2012 waters attracted more than 40 schools from as far afield as Scotland, Norfolk, London and the Isle of Man.

The pupils were delighted when the Skandia Team GBR contingent signed autographs, posed for photographs and presented the winning gold and silver fleet teams with their trophies.

Saskia Clark, of Wyke Regis, told the youngsters how she had hated sailing until a group of friends made it fun.

Chris Draper, of Corfe Mullen, said: “We get to go to some pretty amazing venues but to be honest, it sounds cheesy, but Weymouth is one of the best places in the world to sail – it’s just not so warm.”

Dorchester’s Sunninghill pupils Oliver Batt, and Issie Gilliver won third place in the Under 11’s gold fleet.

Oliver, 10, of Godmanstone, said: “It was a surprise, me and Issie didn’t think we were going to win much as we thought everyone was going to be quite good but then we realised we could get something so we tried really hard.”

Issie, 10, of Wyke Regis, Weymouth added: “It was amazing. I never thought we’d be able to see Olympians, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“I’ve done a few sailing courses and think I’ll go on and try my hardest to do as many events as I can.”

West Hill Park School’s Henry and Elizabeth Beardsall claimed second place, while winners Ffinlo Wright and Matthew Petts of Buchan School achieved the Under 11s hand-crafted IAPS sailing trophy.

Mark McCloskey, IAPS co-ordinator for watersports and Leweston Prep School teacher, said: “We had a fantastic first day, we couldn’t have asked for more with sunny weather conditions and competitive sailing throughout.

“It was made even better by the surprise at the end of having Olympic contenders to help present the different medals.”

Emma Dawson, chief instructor and community sports coach at SailLaser, Weymouth, said: “As we were launching our boats Ben Ainslie, the Finn sailors and 470 sailors were sailing out so they’ve seen Olympians on the water and on land as well.”