Shotley sailor Terry Scutcher is targeting Laser Masters World glory after picking up silver at the World Masters Games, in New Zealand.

Scutcher, 59, enjoyed a fantastic sail in Auckland at the Games, which are held every four years, to finish second to Australia’s Mark Kennedy – Hamis Atkinson from the home nation was third.

It was another impressive performance from Scutcher, who sails out of Shotley Sailing Club, on the Shotley Peninsula.

“I must admit it was difficult because the Southern Hemisphere guys are still in their season right now, so have had plenty of warm weather practice, whereas I’m out in the cold at Harwich and Dovercourt bay at this time of the year!

“I was sailing in the Radial Grand Master fleet. The first two days were windy which suited me because I’m known as a good wave sailor because of my experiences off Harwich.

“Apart from a 10th in the first race where I suffered gear failure while laying third, I got a win and two seconds.

“The next two days were very light and the results were all mixed up with the flukey conditions.

“The last day was better with moderate winds where I got a third and eighth, to finish second overall.”

Scutcher has been a consistent performer on the world stage for many years now, having started sailing more than 40 years ago. He now races in the over-35s.

His next event is the Laser Masters Europeans in France next month, followed by the 505 Europeans in Germany in July, then on to Split, in Croatia, in September for the Laser Masters – a title he is very much targeting.

“I’d love to win the Worlds, of course I would,” he said.

“I’ve been second twice, in Oman in 2013 and Canada in 2015. I’ve won Europeans and National events but the Worlds have just eluded me.

“But it will be very tough.

“I’m sailing against guys who have sailed in the Olympics, they are all very good, they know their stuff.”

At the recent World Masters Games, more than 28,000 athletes took part from more than 100 countries, in 28 different sports.

The opening ceremony was held at Eden Park, the home of the All Blacks, the sailing competition was held at Torbay Yacht club.

“It was a great experience,” admitted Scutcher.

“The opening ceremony was unbelievable.”