FRED Warren-Smith first burst on to the Cowes Week scene two years ago when, as a mere 12-year-old, the Squib sailor was the youngest skipper competing at the event.

The Isle of Wight native, who is now 14, is still the youngest skipper and, sailing Aquabat, pictured below, is giving the rest of the fleet an exceptionally good run for their money.

In fact, in Saturday’s light wind opening race, Fred, crewed by his father Steve, notched up his first win of the week, and on Sunday bagged another win which puts him in the enviable position of being the one to beat this week.

Using local knowledge, the young helmsman from Royal Victoria Yacht Club is always at the head of the fleet and never fails to post impressive results. In 2008 and 2009 he finished in fourth place overall and last year picked up three first place finishes.

The youngster said he loves sailing the Squib at big events and really wants to up his game this year.

“We just want to improve every year, and win it one day,” he said.

“A top three result would be great. I like sailing dinghies but one day I want to race something like TP52s and stick to big events like Cowes Week.”

As for his closest rivals this week, it seems Kestrel, sailed by fellow Royal Victoria YC member David Longford is one to watch out for after coming second in both races so far this week.

But conditions could favour the Warren-Smith duo because of their light weight.

“Sunday’s conditions were perfect because it started off fairly light and built to a good, gusty breeze,” said Fred Warren-Smith.

“We’re not the best in heavy weather because I weigh just six stone and dad weighs 12 stone, although, having said that, we have started to improve our heavy weather performance.”

• A spectacular day on the water gave the Class 0 yachts a chance to really open their lungs on a course which took them as far as Yarmouth to the west, and North Ryde Middle to the east. Sir Peter Ogden’s Mini Maxi Jethou slipped ahead on the water but could not get far enough ahead to keep Charles Dunstone’s ever threatening TP52 Rio from scoring her first win of the week.

Rio, who won the same trophy last year, won by over five minutes on corrected time. Sam Laidlaw’s Farr 52 Bob was second.