The talents of two of Bermuda’s Red Bull Youth America’s Cup sailors will be on display at this weekend’s Intercollegiate Sailing Association Team Race National Championship in San Diego.

Mackenzie Cooper is representing fifth-ranked St Mary’s College of Maryland in team racing, while Youth America’s Cup team-mate Connor Astwood is competing for second-ranked Boston University in co-ed fleet racing.

Cooper, 21, is making his second appearance at the championships and feels good about the Seahawks’ chances of lifting the prized Walter C. Wood Trophy.

“We have a great shot this upcoming week and are excited to get out on the course and start racing,” Cooper said.

“This year we have put in the time and training to compete at the highest level, such as the college nationals. One of our biggest strengths is how well coached we are, and that will benefit us during our time in San Diego.

“This being my second college nationals, I have better understanding of how different an event it is to any other college regatta. The days are very long and the competition is intense.”

Astwood could not be reached for comment.

The ICSA Team Race Championships, featuring 16 teams, takes place from today to Monday. Meanwhile, also participating abroad this weekend is Cooper’s younger sibling, Chase, and his Tabor Academy team-mates at the High School National Championships in Anacostia, Washington State.

Cooper, 17, is confident he and his Seawolves team-mates can earn some silverware.

“We’ve been working hard to be best prepared for the nationals,” he said. “We are hoping for a good result and know we are capable of coming away from this weekend with a trophy.

“The Tabor team has been to this venue before and came away with a second place. It’s a good place to sail and works well to our strengths.

“In our New England Championship, we fought until the last minute of the last race to earn our spot. We plan on bringing our fighting spirit to this weekend.”

The High School National Championships take place today and tomorrow.