Mersea sailing star Martin Evans was just edged out of the top spot in the Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year awards.

Despite Evans’ incredible year in 2008, when he enjoyed success in the Laser Radial and Olympic Laser Standard classes, he lost out to brother and sister duo James and Frances Peters, from Hayling Island, who jointly scooped the Young Sailor of the Year award.

Evans was named on a shortlist of finalists after establishing himself as a potential future Olympic star, including taking a silver medal from the Laser Radial Youth World Championships in New Zealand and a bronze from the Laser Radial Youth European Championships in France.

The Dabchicks Sailing Club member was also first under-17 at the Laser British National Championships as well as being Laser Standard National Inland champion and was disappointed to miss out on the top honour, but felt it wouldn’t hold his career back in any way.

“I was a bit disappointed, but it does not mean a huge amount,” said the 16-year-old Colchester Royal Grammar School student.

“It doesn’t count for anything in terms of your progression.

“It would have been a bonus that’s all as it is a prestigious award.”

The Peters were named as winners after both achieved gold medals at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF Worlds Championship in Denmark, sailing separate 29ers in the men’s and women’s classes, plus helping Britain win the Volvo Trophy for best overall nation at the event.