Matthew Gabriele (picture) has been honoured as the Vikings Sailing Club’s most promising young sailor for 2005. The Hillhorst Award is given every year to sailors under 16 who show enthusiasm, a sense of commitment and sportsmanship – and something extra.

Matthew was born in 1991. He comes from a seafaring family: his father, uncle, grandfather and grand-grandfather on the paternal side were all Master Mariners. His father Richard is the harbourmaster.

Matthew started sailing on his father’s boat when only a few months old but he soon took to it, and signed up for the Skolasajf sailing course held at Vikings Sailing Club at the tender age of 9.

He managed to persuade his parents that he was responsible enough for his own dinghy and had his own Mirror 10 in 2002. He eventually moved up to a Laser 4.7 in January 2005, and recently upgraded to a Laser Radial.

Matthew is also building up his sea-legs on keel boats. His first offshore adventure was during last May’s RMYC Marzamemi Race on the fully crewed VSC boat Madelene Lorez, which won its class.

He also took part in numerous VSC races, and the last two Beneteau Cups on the VSC boat Kartali. He also occasionally crews with his father in VSC races.

This year has been a busy one for Matthew. Apart from the VSC Hillhorst Trophy, he came second in the Edson’s races in a Laser 4.7, and third in the MMA Autumn Series in a Laser Radial.

He already has his sights set on the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race.