Harrison Vick made his father Tim proud when he helped him win the South Island Sunburst Championship yesterday.
The first-time duo competed in seven races over two days against 12 different crews.
Mr Vick said he was a proud father seeing his son pulling his own weight on the water.
On Saturday, there were questions about the youngster’s ability and whether he was involved in the sailing or if he was just there for a ride.
However, some photos taken by the rescue boats at the event proved he was very much involved.
"Everyone was very impressed with what he was up to and what he was able to do.
"It was good to be out there and see him learning and listening and taking it all in."
Saturday’s sunny weather, supported by a northerly in the afternoon, made for smooth sailing for most of the day.
However, yesterday the conditions were a bit more "threatening" and "rough".
"We were a bit uncertain of what we would face when we were out there.
"But [Harrison] didn’t seem too fazed by it.
"He was just happy going along with whatever was going on."
Harrison began sailing as a toddler and along with his sister Isabel, 8, went to the sailing school at Vauxhall on Sundays.
The family duo’s next race would be at the Terra Nova Regatta, in Oamaru, in March.
