Speed windsurfer Farrel O'Shea has been considered by the British sailing community as the UKWA Windsurfer of the Year 2013, after a two-month public vote.

The current official British national record holder, with 48.82 knots recorded in Luderitz, Namibia, is one of the fastest windsurfers of all time.

Farrel O'Shea is a very popular character and one of the most dedicated speed sailors on the planet. His relaxed approach to life masks his steely determination to go as fast as possible.

"I personally voted for Kieran Martin, as he is the youngest and an upcoming star. The youth in our sport is the future and need as much encouragement as possible to take Windsurfing onwards and upwards", says O'Shea.

"I intend to use this award to try and encourage more young people to enter out sport and motivate them to go on to be the best they can be. Hope to see you on the water sometime this year".

Farrel O'Shea started his career in the 1980s, and has been hailed as one of the best wave windsurfers of his generation. But speed was always his passion, and his first event dates back to 1984, in Weymouth.

The UKWA Windsurfer of the Year 2013 nominees included Ross Williams (Slalom), Kieran Martin (Racing), Max Rowe (Freestyle), and Robbie Swift (Wave).