I joined Dorchester Sailing Club when I was just 15, after doing a couple of two-day sailing courses while on a summer holiday.

I joined the Easter youth training course, so that I could complete my Royal Yachting Association level 3 qualification as my parents said it would be cheaper than learning on holiday.

One of the club’s instructors took me under her wing and after only a couple of weeks I had completed my level 4 qualification.

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I asked my dad, who had himself done the spring adult training course at DSC, whether we could buy a dinghy.

We went halves and bought a cheap Laser boat with a choice of three sail sizes.

A year later I went to my first National School Sailing Association regatta as part of the Oxfordshire team.

This is an annual event and involves a week’s camping and over-excitement.

It is a great introduction to competitive racing.

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Then I joined two of my friends to our first national open competition – the Laser UK National championships at Abersoch.

It was cold and very windy; there were waves and the sailing course was a long way from the shore: we finished not quite last.

By this time I was qualified to drive power boats and was regularly helping with the youth training at Dorchester Sailing Club and getting paid for it.

At 16 I was able to complete my dinghy instructor qualification and have subsequently taught dinghy sailing at Dorchester and other RYA training centres during the summer holidays.

I now sail an RS Aero 5, while my dad still has the Laser.

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I have been fortunate enough to be selected as a member of RS Aero youth senior training squad.

Over the past year I have taken part in a number of national sailing competitions as well as a European and a world championship regatta where I finished 12th.

I love Dorchester Sailing Club and regularly go out on the water double-handed with other club members.

Ordinary members of the club have been very supportive – not just helping me learn to sail and develop my technique but allowing me to sail and capsize their boats and patiently explaining the rules of sailing.

I really enjoy teaching younger children to sail as I started very late at 15.

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Sailing has taught me to prioritise my time between school work and recreation, it has also taught me to be self-reliant and resilient.

After a day’s sailing I can accept what went badly and concentrate on what I did well, learning from both.

I have met and competed against world champions and possible future Olympic sailors.

My advice to other people is to join Dorchester Sailing Club at their own risk!

Those inspired by Ms Willows' passion for the adventurous sport can visit Dorchester Club's open day on April 5 where potential members can tour the facilities and watch some of the racers.

The event will kick-off at 10am with coffee, tea and biscuits, and between 2pm and 4pm those keen to try sailing will be able to join some of the experienced boaters at the clubhouse.