The Lord Mayor of Plymouth has presented Saltash sailing club member, Philip Harrison, with a cup at the Royal Western Yacht Club.

The trophy was also received by Viv Yandell, vice president of Spinnaker International Ltd, the Saltash based company that now sponsors Philip's world beating dinghy.

Philip has enjoyed a string of local victories in the ISO dinghy racing this summer, culminating in a number 16 world ranking following championships held at Le Baule in the South of France this August.

Viv Yandell said: 'Like Spinnaker, Philip isn't afraid to compete against the world. we hope with our support he will now go on to become the best in the world.'

Philip's boat has now been rechristened 'Spinnaker International'.

Viv said: 'as a Cornish based company, our other stipulation is that he flies the St Pirans flag!' Philip also serves as an occasional helmsman on Spinnaker's own company yacht which is used to encourage sailing and team building amongst Spinnaker staff.

Philip said: 'With Spinnaker's support, I'm now in a position to compete in the UK Inland Championships this year, and then start planning a full Eurocup and National campaign for 2000. If all goes well, we'll be looking for the world championship in 2001.'