A YOUNG sailor is to compete in a virtual competition representing his North East club.

Kielder Water SC’s Robbie Langford will be competing on virtual waters for national honours in the Royal Yachting Association’s eSailing Spring Club Championships after claiming the North East title.

Ten of the region’s finest e-racers represented their sailing clubs to battle it out in an online game called Virtual Regatta on Saturday May 16 and the top four places overall were incredibly close in the final reckoning.

After five races, Mr Langford’s race results of a third, first and second were just enough to take the title from Tynemouth SC’s Justin Smith, who counted a trio of second places to finish on equal points.

Known as 'Captain Rob' for his virtual racing, Mr Langford was able to transfer his real-life sailing skills to the online game, which aims to provide the same tactical challenges.

Commenting afterwards, Mr Langford said: “It’s been amazing, when you get a load of high quality racers on this game it’s really thrilling. I know the positions were changing constantly and I’m so pleased to have just snuck into first place.”

The 20-year-old from Hexham will now represent Kielder Water SC and the RYA North East region in the national final of the Musto-sponsored RYA eSailing Spring Club Championships, on Saturday May 30.