Teenager Ollie Sellers is on the crest of a wave after being selected to represent Great Britain at the World Youth Sailing Championships in San Francisco in August.

Sellers, 14, from Kingston Bagpuize, who is a year nine pupil at Matthew Arnold School, Oxford, got his chance after winning the European and World Youth Championships selections in the laser 4.7 class at Lymington.

The youngest of the team – which consists of four boys and two girls – travelling to America with the RYA (Royal Yachting Association), Sellers has been involved with the sport since he was seven.

A member of the RYA British national junior squad, Sellers trains at the national academy in Weymouth, the venue for sailing at the 2012 Olym-pics.

Last year, Sellers moved into the laser 4.7 category, a youth development class, and finished eighth at the British nationals.

That saw him selected for the European team and now he is setting his sights higher as he bids to move through the classes and realise his ultimate ambition, of making an Olympic squad.

“I like the competition and the feeling that you get when you’ve done well,” Sellars said.

“It’s different to other sports because you’re on your own in your boat, making your own decisions.

“We’ll be sailing with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It will be windy and very challenging.”

Although the RYA funds accommodation and provides coaching, Sellers is raising money to cover the £1,500 cost of onward flights, boat charter and event entry.

“I’m doing some extra chores to raise money, but I am also writing to local companies for sponsorship,” he said.

Sailing runs in the family.

Ollie’s brother, 16-year-old Will, competes in the transitional class, and also qualified for the European Championships this year.