A young sailor from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Burnham demonstrated his extraordinary talents when he achieved second place in the World Championships in Australia last month.

Richard Elphinstone, 16, from Beauchamps in Burnham, and his team mate, Tom Makey, 11, from Messing, sailed to a silver-medal victory in the International Cadet Class World Championships in Melbourne.

Richard said: "I'm quite over the moon about it. We were expecting to come in the top three, so second place was excellent.

''I'll be too old for next year's world cup so I think I'll take it easy for a while.''

Richard and Tom were part of a 14-strong team who represented the UK in seven boats during a series of races.

Richard's mother, Susan, said: "We are extremely proud of him. The pair were so close to winning but unfortunately were just beaten by the Argentines."

Richard has been taking part in the World Championships for five years, and achieved fourth place with Tom in the 1997 contest in the UK.

The pair were also UK National Cadet champions last year.

Richard was given sponsorship from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and Burnham Town Council to help finance his trip to Australia.

He was also supported by his school, the William de Ferrers School in South Woodham Ferrers.

Deputy head teacher at the school, Andrew Merchant said: "We are proud that he was able to represent not just his school but also his country, and to do so well."

Richard Elphinstone sailed to a silver medal in the International Cadet Class World championships.

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