Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) youth sailor Benn Smith underlined his potential after capturing overall honours at the 2012 Digicel Bermuda Open and National Optimist Championships.The Saltus Grammar School student topped a record 76-boat fleet, also claiming first place in the 12-13 age group to add to what has proven to be a highly successful year for the promising sailor.Smith’s latest success followed on the heels of his impressive showing at August’s 2012 Sunfish Youth and Junior Championships in Lake Michigan where he won his age group and finished third overall.“I would like to congratulate our 2012 champion Benn Smith on his great achievement,” said Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association president and former Somerset Trojans footballer Anthony Bailey. “These young sailors keep on getting better.”Smith is the son of multiple World and North American Sunfish champion Malcolm Smith.Finishing second overall at the recent regatta was Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) sailor Peter Dill while Chase Cooper (RBYC) rounded off the top three.Claiming top honours among the girls was RHADC’s Ceci Wollmann who has also made her presence felt overseas this year.The Saltus student won this year’s CORK Optimist Regatta champion in Kingston, Ontario and placed third overall the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Championships in Vancouver where she emerged as the top girl.RBYC pair Matilda Nicholls and Adriana Penruddocke rounded off the top three in the girls fleet at last week’s championships.Campbell Patton, son of Bermuda Sailing Association president Tim Patton, was crowned Junior National Champion with RBYC stablemates Nicholls and Yannick Hillier finishing second and third respectively.Remaining age group honours went to Dill (14-15 years), Patton (11 years) and Flo Nicholls (RBYC) who led the ten and under age group.Dill capped an impressive regatta by earning the Sportsmanship Trophy.“This award is an important part of our sport,” said principal race organiser Jay Hooper. “I am delighted to award this to Peter Dill, he sets an example others should follow.”n Will Thompson led the Etchells fleet at last weekend’s Bermuda Sailing Association Keelboat Nationals in the Great Sound.Sailing with team-mates Somers Kempe and Adam Barboza, Thompson completed the eight-race series five points clear of nearest rival and defending champion Mark Watson.Jason Owen, who competed with past Royal Bermuda Yacht Club commodore and ISAF international sailing umpire/judge Peter Shrubb, rounded off the podium finishers.Reigning IOD World Champion Penny Simmons retained his national title in the local IOD fleet.