University of Southampton sailor Annabel Vose has become one of just three student athletes in the world to receive a scholarship from the International University Sport Federation.

That comes after an incredible year that saw her secure national and international titles.

Annabel, 19, from Curdridge in Hampshire, who is studying for a Master’s Degree in Ship Science, specialises in the 420 class and match racing discipline.

She has had success at university, national and international level over the last couple of years and was part of the Southampton team that won the 2014 Student Yachting World Championship.

Annabel said: “To be recognised for all the hard work I have put into my sailing and my studies is brilliant. I had the best summer competing in some amazing venues and coming home with two World Championship titles really consolidated all the training I had fitted in.”

Annabel praised the support given to her by the University, adding: “The link between education and sport is really key and the University has been wonderful in supporting me with both of these – being awarded the scholarship is testament to their support.”

Annabel has been sailing since the age of seven and won her first national championship at 13.

Her list of achievements includes three World, one European and ten National Championship titles – including Gold at the 420 World and European Championships in 2012 and 2011 respectively.

Annabel’s record in 2014 is exemplary, as she became captain and driver of the first ever GBR women’s crew to enter the FISU World University Match Racing Championships.

Great record She remained unbeaten until the final, which she won 2-1 to claim the gold medal on her first attempt.

On a domestic level, she won gold (as captain) at the 2014 BUCS Yachting Nationals, 1st female (captain and driver) at the 2014 BUCS Match Racing Nationals and silver (captain and driver) in the 2014 BUCS Fleet Racing Nationals.

She also became the first ever woman to win gold at the British Youth Match Racing Nationals.

The scholarship is £8,700 a year, which Annabel will share with two other recipients, to help fund her studies and allow her to continue to compete at the highest level.

The other two recipients of the FISU Scholarship are Joshua Cheptegei, a cross-country runner from Uganda, and Natalie Good, a snowboarder from New Zealand.