Bermuda captured the North American Optimist Team Racing Championships in dramatic fashion in Hamilton Harbour yesterday.

Competing in calm but challenging conditions, the Island's number one team comprised of Jesse Kirkland, Jonathan Kempe, Edward Thompson, Sean Bouchard and Elijah Simmons edged out perennial Optimist giants Mexico (2-1) and North America (2-1) via a tie-break.

Race officials credited Bermuda with the win after tabulating results from the round robin phase of the regatta held earlier in the day.

Bermuda also cruised to wins over Brazil's second team, Japan and reigning world team racing champions Argentina.

With this victory under their belt, Bermuda's sailors will be confident when racing resumes tomorrow in the individual championships in which Kirkland currently holds down second place.

The 14-year-old trails Argentinian leader Facundo Alonso by a mere two points.

Kirkland is coming off a superb fourth place finish during the recent Optimist Worlds in Texas.

His team-mate Thompson lies in 12th place with Bouchard 24th among the 113-boat fleet.

"It was absolutely brilliant!" exclaimed event director Paul Doughty after yesterday's triumph.

"Actually we beat three of the best team racing countries in the world today.

"It was very light and shifty. There was also a lot of wake, obviously, because it's a busy harbour.

"A lot of demand was placed on tactical smarts because you have to go and pick an opponent and cover them.

"Sometimes you have to block two off to let your team-mates through or even at times guard the finish line to try and block off anybody from getting across. It was really brilliant stuff!"

Doughty claimed Bermuda had now "arrived" in terms of producing top junior sailors.

"Not only are we producing fleet sailors at this level, but we are also producing kids capable of team racing," he said.

USA placed second yesterday, Mexico third and Argentina fourth.

Fleet racing continues tomorrow in the Great Sound, starting at 11 a.m.