Andrew Bridgman crosses the line ahead of Finn Lynch in Austria. (0815229)

A JUNIOR world sailing champion is moving to the island.

Staffordshire-based Andrew Bridgman, 15, is joining his family after he completes his GCSE studies next year.

Last week, he took the honours in dramatic style at the 2009 International Sailing Federation Gul Topper World Championships in Austria.

Finding himself in second place and needing to win the final race after five days of hard sailing at Ebensee to get ahead of Finn Lynch, Bridgman did exactly that with an audacious manoeuvre to get on the inside of his Irish opponent on the final mark to go ahead and cross the finishing line first.

Bridgman then had a nerve-racking two-hour wait while the judges listened to protests from three of his rivals about the move.

But they decided it was legal and he was crowned world champion.

Next week he is competing in the National Topper Championships in Pwellheli, Wales.

Bridgman is seeking sponsorship and anyone interested can contact his father, medical officer of health Stephen, on 07781 136243.