SAILING - Taipa sailor wins the splash world champs

Taipa's Ben Lutze is making waves in the sailing world after becoming the world splash champion in Portugal in July.
However the Far North teenager, who has been sailing for seven years, has not let the win go to his head.
"When my mum called me up after the race and asked how I felt, I just said I didn't know. All I know is that I'm a world champ, I was stoked, just over the moon."
His sailing coach John Morgan said Lutze sailed well in the championship despite taking a few too many risks.
"He was a lot more controlled than previously, but this was a conversation we had after race one where he was too risky."
He believes Lutze's coordination skills could give him a strong future in sailing.
"His coordination in the boat makes him one of the fastest in the moderate to heavy breezes and his ability to sense shifts is amazing."
Sixteen-year-old Ben has had great support from Morgan and said he has been a driving force behind the recent success.
"He motivates me. I couldn't have done it without him. He likes us to be the best."
After his win, the small town of Taipa has come to see Ben as a bit of a celebrity.
"It's a little place and they all saw me on the news. My mates can't really believe it," he said.
Ben is not the only sailor in his family - sister Holly and dad Dean also sail. In fact his dad is commodore at the local Taipa Sailing Club. Mum Susie Lutze said they are there every weekend and the club has a real family feel.
"We're part of an awesome sailing club - it's really family based. The whole family is very much involved."
Ben loves the sailing life and the thrill of being on the water.
"I like going fast and being out on the water. It's really calm and peaceful."
Ben also manages to fit swimming, diving and going to the gym into his schedule. But he admits juggling this and his school work as a Year 12 student at Taipa Area School is a struggle.
Ben's next move will be into the laser class.
"I'll soon get too heavy for splash so laser is the next step I'll give laser a go."
He hopes to one day compete in the Olympics and will be keeping a keen eye on the sailing events in particular.