BATTLING against gale force winds in choppy waters is no problem for Petty Officer Cadet Andrew Crow. At just 17, the Bolton Sea Cadet from Glenmore Avenue in Farnworth has just become a dinghy sailing instructor with the Royal Yachting Association - the governing body for sailing in the UK. For his week long assessment, Andrew had to travel up to Scotland to the Port Edgar Sea Cadet Boating Station on the River Forth, where he sailed and taught in gale force six to seven winds and tidal waters.

Passing his assessment has also led to him to gain his Sea Cadet Master Coxswain's award, which includes reaching level five sailing standard, level three safety power boat, rowing coxswain and assistant canoeing supervisor, as well as passing a first aid course.

And in between, the talented teenager has managed to find time to study for his A-levels, gain a 1st class seamanship award and even pass his driving test!

Andrew, who trains at TS Dido at Derby Barracks on Fletcher Street, has been sailing for three years.

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