opening day of competition at the South American Optimist Dinghy Championships in Peru.

The regatta in Paracas, near the capital Lima, is being used by the Island pair to prepare for their appearance at the World Team Championships in China in July.

A total of 160 sailors are at the South American event, representing 15 countries. Among them is the world champion from Croatia.

Competitors are divided into six fleets and race off against each other in a round robin format.

In three races so far, Kirkland recorded finishes of second, third and 20th while Doughty's placings were in the 20s and 30s.

The two boys have made the trip with Argentine coach Pablo Weber, who said he was impressed with their speed, adding they were among the fastest at the event.

Doughty recently hung on to win the 22-race Optimist Dinghy qualification series in Bermuda.

The series, which decided the five local sailors who would travel to China, included a 10-race Island event and the Orange Bowl Junior Olympic Regatta in Miami. Rounding out the team are Kirkland, Jonathan Kempe, Edward Thompson and Husayn Brown.

In the final five races sailed in 18-22 knots, Brown showed the smarts and skills gained from two Worlds campaigns, making few mistakes and closing the door on sixth placed Oliver Kempe.