IT'S plain sailing for a teenager from local charity Ocean Youth Trust Scotland who has been crowned RYA Yachtmaster of the Year 2018.

Lewis Haig was presented with the prestigious trophy by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, President of RYA.

The 19-year-old says he was shocked to receive the prize - presented for his demonstration of sailing skills during his yachtmaster exam - as he was up against 3,000 candidates.

Lewise said: “I still can’t believe it, considering that just two years ago my knowledge of boats and sailing was practically nothing.

“To have been chosen as RYA Yachtmaster of the Year is absolutely incredible and a huge honour.

"I never anticipated achieving something like this.”

Lewis first set sail on a school trip in 2014 with OYTS.

He continued his sail training, volunteering and eventually went on to gain a place on the cadet programme in 2017.

The teenager then worked his way up through the RYA Yachtmaster scheme before sitting his exam in October 2018.

Lewis impressed RYA Yachtmaster examiner, Scott Wilson, who praised his ability to remain calm and make the boat handling exercises look straightforward.

He said: “Lewis impressed me from the beginning of his examination session because he seemed so calm.

"Considering he is quite young, he has gained a lot of experience, and this showed in his attention to detail and his preparation – the foundation of good seamanship.

“He made the boat handling exercises look straightforward, and showed very little hesitation when making decisions. Most importantly of all, Lewis was clearly in command and had a very pleasant way of communicating with the crew.”

Nick Fleming, chief exec at OYTS, today congratulated Lewis on behalf of the team.

He said: “We are all extremely proud of Lewis.

"He is a great role model and he epitomises what Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is all about - inspiring young people from all backgrounds through the challenge of adventure under sail.

“This award is an amazing recognition of Lewis’s talent, focus and determination to pursue a career in sail training.

“The RYA scheme has a world class reputation for high standards of training and assessment and the yachtmaster qualification is the pinnacle of the scheme with a tough 12 hour practical exam to prove you’re up to the required standard.

“For Lewis to pass this exam at the age of 19 is an amazing achievement in itself.

"To be named Yachtmaster of the Year out of 3,000 candidates is phenomenal.”