DAN Henderson has scooped a dinghy world title.

The young Essex sailor, who grew up in Southend and Benfleet, made sure of the singlehanded Musto Skiff class crown despite intense pressure from international sailors from nine countries.

With the exception of day three, Dan led the championship - held near Melbourne in Australia - from start to finish.

Wellcom-sponsored Dan, 20, logged two seconds, two thirds, two fourth positions and a sixth.

His total score 26 points was a massive 11 points clear of second place which went to his fiercest rival, UK national champion Bruce Keen, from Stokes Bay Sailing Club.

Dan also beat a gaggle of talented Australian sailors including Marcus Hamilton.

A total of 42 helmsmen from countries including Germany, Austria, Russia, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand took part.

The other Thorpe Bay YC member at the event at the Black Rock YC was Wickford’s Ron Barnes, 51, who was placed 39th.

Dan’s father, Chris Henderson – who runs Battlesbridge-based Blue Marine – said he was proud of his son’s achievement.

“We’ve just found out that he’s won and it’s tremendous news.

“I know that he’ll be back in the UK at about 6am on Wednesday morning and I think that the club is planning a reception for him on Thursday evening.

“It should be a great night because he’s well known and loads of people want to say well done.”

Conditions at the regatta suited Dan who is a lightweight sailor who performs better when sailing in gentle breezes.

And although there were forecasts of winds raising to 25 knots, these mostly failed to appear and the former King John School sixth form pupil from Benfleet, won by a large margin, scooping the youth title as well.

He had placed second in the pre-world’s regatta the week before, and improved in the typical Australian conditions of large ocean swells.

When he’s in the UK Dan is studying watersports science at Portsmouth University.

Members of Thorpe Bay YC are holding a special reception on Thursday evening to welcome Dan back to the seafront clubhouse.

Club commodore, Peter Thompson said: “It’s a fantastic way to start the year.

“I was up early as were many and spoke with Roger Blasse, the commodore of the Black Rock Yacht Club in Melbourne to thank them for their hospitality towards Dan and Ronnie.

“There will be a Champions Champagne reception on his return,” he added.

Other local club members joining in the praise included Andrew Hannah, Kevin Iles, Howard Warrington, Sue Hadley, Toby Speller, Steve Hopper, Nick Binnendijk, Ian Little and many pals on Facebook.

Musto Skiff Worlds results (top six): 1st Daniel Henderson 26 points (Youth); 2nd Bruce Keen GBR 37; 3rd Marcus Hamilton AUS 37; 4th Jonathon Newman AUS 42; 5th Jono Neate AUS 44; 6th Dan Ward GBR 54.