The youngest skipper at Skandia Cowes Week, the pocket sized Fred Warren-Smith, who is 12 and from the Isle of Wight, posted his best result of the week with an excellent third place in the Squib class.

Fred from Ryde, is the youngest helmsman, competing for the 2008 Skandia Young Skipper trophy, sailing in his Squib Aquabat with his father crewing.

Chatting about the decision to compete at Cowes Week Fred says that he and his father had a deal.

“We did the south-coast championship last year and took turns in helming. The one with the best results was to helm Cowes Week.”

Fred explained what it was like to be on the startline with so many other boats:

“It’s really fun because it’s quite challenging with all the big boats trying not to hit them and stuff. It’s a bit scary on the startline because I’m not in complete control but I have my dad crewing. It’s a bit weird trying to get out the way of all the other boats.”

And does he think more children should be here competing at Skandia Cowes Week:

 ”Most definitely, because it’s so enjoyable. Even if you don’t like racing it’s good to come, potter about and have fun.”

His boat, Aquabat is now placed in 5th place overall and has every chance of catching the leaders Mike Probert’s Panu Munta and Penny and Mike Fenwick’s Ghost Hunter if he can maintain his splendid form.

It looks like Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s Fred is the new kid on the block, but with clearly the right, positive and enthusiastic attitude there’s every chance this team will post some even more respectable results later in the week.