Carter hopes to break into the intermediate national squad

Young Jersey sailor Laurence Carter has won the 2008 Jersey Clipper Bursary.

The 12-year-old has been handed �600 which will be used to help him with travel costs that are an essential part of his training.

The Victoria College student, who has been competing in the Jeux des Isles in Guadeloupe said: "I cannot express how grateful I am.

"I will use the funds to subsidise my trips to the UK to attend monthly training sessions."

The annual award is a legacy from the three Jersey campaigns in the Clipper Round the World Race and is designed to assist an islander to achieve a nautical ambition.

Carter came 15th in Guadeloupe, the best British result by some way, and achieved an 8th place in the final race.

His is now aiming to get into the intermediate national squad but he needs a top-50 ranking in the three ranking events, the Inlands, the Nationals and the End of Seasons.

He will attend UK regattas and training sessions in preparation for these events and that is where the Jersey Clipper Bursary will assist, helping him to meet his considerable travel costs.