Simon Kitchen is the first product of the Chichester Optimist race training programme to emerge as a county champion.

The 12-year-old won the slow fleet handicap at the tenth West Sussex Schools and Youth Sailing Association Regatta at Littlehampton hosted by Arun Yacht Club.

Kitchen dominated, winning three out of the five races, gaining a second and a third in the others, to gain the overall title.

Team manager Roger Clare said: "We started the programme from scratch a couple of years ago. We seem to have some talented sailors developing.

"A few have already made an impression in open events but Simon is the first to make an impression in a countywide competition.

"It is a good pointer to his progress because it was a good, competitive regatta.

"It is an excellent result and reflects the hard work that has gone on in the Optimist class at our club."

Simon said: "It was the first time I have raced in a county event. It feels quite nice to be Sussex champion. I only took up sailing properly just over a year ago and I love it.

"Paul Campbell-James, who is a top international racer from Sussex, has given me coaching lessons at Chichester.

"I would like to go on and sail 420s. My dad helped me when I started and we sailed a mirror together."

His father, David, added: "I only started sailing so I could encourage the interest Simon already had for it. Now I have got to scratch around and find a new crew."

Simon's clubmate Rachel Scarfe also made an impression. She forced Kitchen into second place in the fifth and final race. She also managed two runners-up spots behind Kitchen in the opening races.

Sisters Jessica and Natasha Cox, from Dell Quay (Chichester), broke the Optimist stranglehold in their Topaz Duo by winning the third race.

They also combined for a second and two thirds. Michaela Meik and Jessica Aldridge (Lancing) scored two seconds and Chris Green (Littlehampton) a third in the fast fleet handicap. Emsworth sailor Adam Cockerill won all five races to take the overall title.

Fiona Stevens (Lancing) was third overall in the Topper fleet behind winner Alastair Nichol and runner up Richard Warner, both from Emsworth. She gained two third places. Michaela's sister Natasha Meik was third in race three.

Not one of the 72 entries was representing a school.

Regatta secretary Jan Elliman said: "It was difficult to get teachers to commit. Hopefully it will improve next year."