Kirkland brothers, Jessie and Zander, took the first step yesterday on a journey they hope will end at the 2012 Olympic Games in England.

The pair set aside time at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) to familiarise themselves with a second-hand Olympic class 49er they purchased from a friend abroad which is to be used in their preparations for the next Games.

The 49er, one of only two of its kind on the island, was delivered free of charge by sponsors Bermuda Container Lines (BCL).

Though the next Olympic Games remain more than three years away, the Kirklands have wasted no time mapping out a strategic plan they hope will culminate in success.

But first they will have to get accustomed to sailing in a boat which they admit, at times, can be a task within itself.

"These boats are crazy and one of the hardest manoeuvres you can do in them is bearing away in a big breeze at the windward mark before you even put the kite up," explained Zander, the elder of the two brothers.

"It's definitely going to be a big learning curve for the both of us and I don't expect us to just jump in the boat and do well."

Tufts University graduate Zander now resides in California where he intends to place heavy emphasis sailing in the 49er. Younger brother Jessie, fresh off a superb fall schedule of sailing at the US college level, is also determined to hold his end of the bargain.

"This is only the begining and there is a long way to go. But it is an exciting time and we are pretty positive right now," he said.

Jessie is also a two-time All-American sailor and earlier this year won a maiden Edward Cross Cup after sailing to victory in the Annual Long Distance Comet Race with Zander.

He now hopes past experiences sailing in various classes and conditions will help make the transition to the 49er class a seamless one.

"Growing up here sailing in the Optimist and Lasers and gaining international exposure has helped give me a different perspective on sailing," he said.

"But now we are hopping to a new boat and so I am just trying to adjust to different styles and skill sets."

Zander admits he will also have his work cut out.

"It's a pretty big jump and there's just so many situations we have to practise," he said.

"We are just going to work on sailing together and sailing with others and learn new stuff with an open minded approach.

"I think we have the talent and athleticism to put us through to the 2012 Olympic Games. But we must put our time in sailing in the boat in order to reap the rewards."