Callum Airlie, from Gordon in the Scottish Borders, was presented with the prestigious RYA Scottish Young Sailor of the Year Award 2009 at the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show. The award was presented on Saturday 9th January by sailing legend Ben Ainslie.

Callum was voted RYA Scottish Regional Young Sailor of the Year 2009 last autumn.

Callum's crowning success in a tremendous year was to win the Optimist National Championships in August, the first Scot to ever win this National title. He won the title at Largs, sailing in a 352 strong fleet. Callum, 14, sails at East Lothian Yacht Club and at St Mary's Loch Sailing Club. His training is supported by RYA Scotland and the East of Scotland Institute of Sport. This training helped Callum to land one of junior sailing's most fiercely contested titles, and now Callum wants to follow Ben Ainslie by representing Britain at the Olympics.

Callum was amongst thirteen RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year winners who were voted for by RYA affiliated sailing clubs. These young sailors have all made a great impact on youth sailing, ranging from gold medal winning achievements and overcoming adversity, to the huge amount of hard work and effort they give back to their clubs.

Callum and his family were treated to an action packed VIP day at the show, thanks to Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.

Nick Scott, High Performance Manager at RYA Scotland, said, "We're all very proud of Callum's exceptional achievement. It is one which will inspire many more young Scottish sailors to aspire to the very top. Today's award recognises that Callum has climbed to the very peak of junior sailing.