FRENSHAM Pond Sailing club are celebrating what must be the finest year in their 64-year history.

World and national champions have now elevated this small inland lake club into what can only be described as the ‘premier league’ of their sport.

Nick Craig, one of Farnham’s most decorated sportsmen, won the single-handed OK Dinghy World Championships for the fifth time. Competing in Barbados, he achieved his most convincing victory yet. Later in the year, Craig won the Merlin Rocket National Championships.

Craig’s contemporary helm, Roger Gilbert won the prestigious Prince of Wales Cup for the International 14 class. The 14 is a boat that requires real athletic ability for the crews to win.

The younger sailors have also made their mark for Frensham, with Roger Nevile winning the Tera Class nationals and Sam Goult victorious in the Cadet nationals.

Back at senior level, the vastly experienced Bruce Hill won the 24 Class nationals and Sailability helm Paul Phillips took Champion of Champions.

Latest results again underlined the club’s bright prospects for the future.

Ross Thompson crewed the winner of the 420 Class National Championships. The crew at this level has to watch around and often call the shots. He next won the 420 Europeans and the gold medal, his helm this time being Alex Smallwood who has strong family connections with the club.

In addition, Luke Anstey helmed the winner of the Signet Class nationals.

What is Frensham Sailing Club’s secret? Any Saturday, the Great Pond is crowded with enthusiastic youngsters, but it is the unpredictable nature of the lake itself that teaches them to stay alert and anticipate the unexpected.