A 17-year-old Seaford sailor has defeated an Olympic gold medallist.

Paul Campbell-James beat Shirley Robertson on his way to sixth place in the Chernikeef RYA National Match Racing Championship finals at east London's Docklands.

The former Newlands schoolboy, who made Britain's World Youth Championship team in last week's trials, also overcame Sydney competitors Richard Sydenham in another race.

Campbell-James completed a hat-trick of successes when brother Mark, 20, the world youth match-racing champion, finished two places below him.

Their mother Jenny said: "He enjoyed his victory over Shirley, but men normally beat women in match racing, I don't know why.

Effort "It was a good effort from Paul overall as he was up against senior competitors in a class he doesn't normally sail.

Paul had nothing to lose and was there to have a good time and he did.

"He had a bit of luck to beat Mark because the leader in a crucial race against him had to avoid an obstacle and Paul was able to overtake him.

"Mark was a little disappointed because he hoped to get in the top four but the winds were a bit flukey. It wasn't like normal match-racing because the wind was whistling around the houses."

Olympian Andy Beardsworth, who had Sydenham as his crew in Sydney, won the event.