Surprise Celebrations for Silver Medal Winning Martin

Photo: courtesy of Liz Harrison

There were cheers and celebrations at Mersea’s Dabchicks Sailing Club on Saturday night (5th April) as members welcomed home the Club’s newest sailing celebrity, Martin Evans.

Martin won Silver at the Laser Radial World Youth Championships in New Zealand, an achievement described by the Royal Yachting Association as “exceptional”.

On the pretence of a family meal out to celebrate his 16th birthday, Martin was stunned to find a gathering of fellow cadet sailors and well wishers at the Club, amid banners, photos and balloons.

“Who’d have thought when Martin jumped into a Topper aged nine that we’d get to this,” his proud father, Nic Evans told the gathered sailors and a surprised Martin. “As a family we’re dead chuffed.”

Competing against the best Under 19 Laser Radial sailors in the world, Martin held his nerve when it mattered most, winning the final race of the Championships to take the silver medal outright.

“Martin Evans especially had the courage to make his own decisions in the final pressure race rather than follow the pack – a strategy that proved correct for that race and won him the silver medal outright.”

There was more to come on Saturday as youth sailors Janek Payne and James Bolingbroke stepped forward to present Martin with yet another accolade, membership of the Musto Academy for 2008, which they collected on his behalf at the recent RYA Youth Nationals.

As the pair explained, the Academy recognises and supports emerging young sailors who have shown the potential and desire to make the most of their talent while also acting as a positive role model for other sailors in their age group.

Martin Evans is one of only three sailors selected this year.

“I’m totally bowled over,” said a modest Martin. “Thank you all for coming and for the support.”

He was then swallowed up in a crowd desperate to hear all about the world championships, New Zealand and future plans which include representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.

Photo: courtesy of Liz Harrison

All that to come but for a dedicated 16 year old sailor and his willing parents, there’s no let up. On Sunday, despite the snow, Martin was back on the water, successfully defending his title at the Home Counties Laser Grand Prix event.