HAMPSHIRE round the world hero Ian Walker has scooped a top gong in recognition of his historic Volvo Ocean Race victory.

Walker, from Warsash, was named Yachtsman of the Year by the Yachting Journalists' Association after he led his Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team to glory earlier this year.

The two-time Olympic silver medallist became the first Brit ever to skipper a team to a win in the 37-year history of the 40,000-mile race.

He was given the nod for the award - dubbed the 'knighthood of sailing' - ahead of Lymington's world match racing champion Ian Williams and Giles Scott, Sir Ben Ainslie's successor in the Finn Olympic class.

Walker, who skippered yachts in two Volvo Ocean Races prior to winning it, said: "It was very competitive this year with some truly fantastic nominees and I am privileged to have won such a coveted award.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me.

"I was first nominated for the award back in 1994 – so it has been a long road to win it.

"I've always sailed as part of a team so this award is as much about our Volvo Ocean Race winning Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team as it is about me."

Paul Gelder, chairman of The Yachting Journalists' Association, added: "Ian Walker is one of Britain's most successful sailors and we're delighted to see his name added to the illustrious winners of our trophy."

Eleanor Poole, 14, from Devon was named the Young Sailor of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to cartoonist Mike Peyton.