It?s going to be a Christmas with a difference for five of Bermuda?s top young sailors as they leave the Island on Christmas Eve to take part in the World Optimist Championships in Uruguay.

Joshua Greenslade, Jordan Saints, Jason Saints, Haley Powell and James Anfossi all earned their places in the prestigious regatta following local trials over the past year.

They?ll be accompanied on the trip to South America by national coach Pablo Weber, team leader Eddie Saints and country representative Wynn Saints.

Sailing will take place off the port of Montevideo from December 29 to January 8.

Unlike in previous years when the Worlds have been held in the northern hemisphere during the summer months, this year?s event is being staged in the southern hemisphere?s summer over Christmas and New Year.

It marks the final international Optimist championship of 2006, bringing together the leading young sailors from over 50 countries who will converge on Yacht Club Uruguavo in Montevideo.

The regatta has been declared as a ?national interest? for the government of Uruguay who will host more than 250 sailors on the waters of the Rio de la Plata.

Bermuda?s team, recognised as one of the best in the world, comprises sailors who have competed in all of the international championship events over the past three years.

With six days of fleet racing and one day of team racing, the Bermuda sailors will be striving to improve on their 13th place ranking last year.

?We are extremely proud of our top five sailors who have worked very hard over the past year to qualify for the World Championships, the most prestigious event in Optimist sailing,? said Ronald Stan, president of Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA).

?Qualifying for the World Championships is the pinnacle of their sailing achievements and represents a culmination of years of sail training and conditioning. We wish our sailors the very best of success and know that they will proudly represent and distinguish Bermuda among the many competing nations of the world.?

Those interested will be able to monitor the Bermuda team?s progress throughout the championships by visiting the website