They have conquered New Zealand. Next stop: the world.

Ahzai Smith, 12, and Christopher Raymond, 13, are due to return to the island today after their triumphs in the inaugural O’pen Bic National Championships this month.

The pair, who have clearly enjoyed their taste of competitive sailing action, told The Royal Gazette they now have aspirations to become world-class sailors.

Ahzai, from Warwick Academy, and Christopher, from Mount Saint Agnes, won the opportunity of a lifetime to travel across the world free thanks to their participation in the America’s Cup Endeavour Programme.

It turned out to be even better than they expected, as Azhai claimed the Gold Fleet and Christopher the Silver Fleet in Dunedin.

Ahzai, whose father worked on the ferries and encouraged his son to watch his colleagues practising in the harbour, said: “I would like to compete in the America’s Cup, and to represent Bermuda at the Olympics.”

Christopher, who was first introduced to sailing through the Endeavour programme, said he wished to “continue sailing and be the best I can in Bermuda. The America’s Cup would be cool, too.”

They had been nominated by instructors from the island’s East End and West End programmes, based on student performance and attendance at the national championships.

Speaking on their selection to compete in New Zealand, Ahzai said: “It’s exciting because I get to sail in new places and against people I have never sailed against before. It’s also the first time I’ve done any sailing events outside the Opti. It initially made me nervous, as I had never travelled so far.”

As for Christopher, while he too was nervous about the long journey, he said he was extremely excited to be given the opportunity.

Earlier in the month, the boys competed in their first regatta in Wanaka, where Ahzai was the top performer in the Championship Fleet, and Christopher topped the Green Fleet during Nationals.

Both sailors said that their experience with the Endeavour programme had taught them never to give up during difficult times. Speaking on what has inspired him to come this far, Ahzai said: “Meeting new people at different regattas, learning about New Zealand and getting the opportunity to do activities I wouldn’t be able to do in Bermuda.”

Asked what they would say to other young people to encourage them to try sailing, Ahzai said: “Do it. The water may appear scary but sailing is a fun, safe sport. You meet a lot of new friends through sailing and it teaches you a lot of lessons about yourself.”

Christopher advised: “Do it and don’t be afraid to capsize. It’s so much fun.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime, fantastic opportunity. I also like to visit new places and meet new people.”