2012 Dinghy Champion is crowned at Hyde-sponsored Endeavour Trophy

The Hyde-sponsored Endeavour Trophy was won by a young RS200 duo © Sue Pelling

The Hyde-sponsored Endeavour Trophy was won by a young RS200 duo © Sue Pelling

Hyde Sails has had a close association with the dinghy classes since its inception, and the annual race to determine the 'champion of champions' features many sailors who have used Hyde's sails to win their respective championships.

For the last seven years the event, which invites the major national champions to race one another for the title of ultimate champion, has been run with the support of Topper who provide Xenons for the racing, while Hyde provides the sails. This partnership, together with the host club the Royal Corinthian YC, has ensured the event continues to showcase the country's top dinghy racing talent.

This year's Endeavour was won by Ben Saxton and Alan Roberts, representing the RS200 class. Twenty-two year-old Saxton from Grafham Water SC, and Roberts from Hayling Island made an impressive start int he 25-straong fleet with three firsts and a third, which put them in the overnight lead. They then went on to win the first of two races on day two before the wind finally disappeared, to finish five points clear of last year's champions – Nick Craig and Toby Lewis – who took second overall.

Saxton's win was particularly impressive because until Friday's training day, he had never stepped foot in a Xenon before, although his teammate finished second at last year's Endeavour as crew. They immediately gelled as a team and the combination of good starts, good sailing and being able to find clear air in the super-competitive fleet, are what really gave them the winning edge.

Commenting on his win, Saxton said: "I am unbelievably happy with this result. I can't quite believe it. We thought if we sailed well we could do it, and we did. I am extremely grateful that I had Alan's previous Endeavour experience to work on, plus I am sure years of sailing at Grafham Water helped me today because it was really shifty on the Crouch."

Roberts added: "Racing against the likes of Nick [Craig], the Olympic boys [Stuart Bithell and Luke Patience] and so many good people, makes it a really great event, and one that I really want to return to."

Second placed Craig spoke highly of the winning team: "It is very impressive that Saxton has won it first time. That is something I couldn't have done. He probably had a stone or two less weight in the boat than us, which may have helped a bit, but generally it was down to really good sailing, which is what matters."

Hyde is proud to be involved with the event, which epitomises its strong involvement on the UK's dinghy classes. For more information on Hyde Sails, its products and how Hyde can work with your class, contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458) or see www.hydesails.com