MOST teenagers probably spent their half term break in the confines of their own homes on their phones or their Xboxes

But one 14-year-old from Mylor Bridge, has spent the last week representing Great Britain in Argentina on board a dinghy.

Benno Marstaller travelled to South America to race in the 2014 Optimist World Championships after being chosen to be part of Team GB.

Coming up against sailors from across the globe, the Penryn College student finished in 48th place overall in the Yellow Fleet.

Speaking to the Packet after returning home, Benno admitted he was a bit disappointed not to make it into the top ten, but was pleased with the experience.

Benno said: “I suffered a bit of bad luck as in one of the races I got over the line in a good position but got disqualified and then I had to discard another result as well so this affected my overall position, but overall it is not too bad.

“Being out in Argentina was really fun and I got to meet quite a few sailors from across the world.

“The competition was pretty challenging too as you are competing against the world’s best, but even though it was hard it was fun to be part of.”

Looking ahead to future races, Benno will now switch to a different boat as he moves over to Laser class, although he would like a go in the Moth boat category too.

This is the same type of boat which Sir Ben Ainslie, who learnt to sail in same Restronguet Creek waters as Benno, won a silver and his first gold medal in the Olympics.

As he has grown up, Marstaller said the time had come to move into a different sailing category.

“I have become a bit too big for Optimist boats and now will be competing in the Laser class,” he said.

“The main difference between the two boats is that the Laser is more physically demanding, but it is the next step I need to take.

“At first I don’t think I will be entering too many competitions as I’ll be getting used to the new boat class, but once I build my confidence up then I’ll begin competing.”