Sutton sailor Dicken Maclean and crew Nicola Groves won the Glyn Charles Memorial Pursuit race on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, in his Retail Answers-sponsored boat, beat 173 competitors to win the race held in Chichester Harbour.

Maclean and Surbiton 19-year-old Groves, who sail for the Island Barn Reservoir club in Molesey, were delighted.

"It was a great event to win. The field was top class and we are proud to join a long list of accomplished winners," said Maclean.

"We moved into the lead with 20 minutes to go and that was when the tension really built because the faster boats behind were hunting us down.

"As the time ticked down we realised we had a comfortable lead and were able relax and enjoy the moment."

The Glyn Charles Memorial Pursuit race is held at Hayling Island Sailing Club each spring in memory of the sailor who lost his life at they Sydney Hobart Race 10 years ago.