Benn Smith remains in the hunt for success at the International Laser Class Association Midwinter’s East regatta in St Petersburg, Florida.

The Bermudian capitalised on excellent starts and thrived in the strong breeze to achieve two first-place finishes and a third in the races contested in the Standard ILCA 7 class yesterday.

“It was pretty windy, 15 to 20 knots all day, and I’m really happy with my performance,” Smith, who started day two of the regatta in third, Smith, who is competing under the Spanish Point Boat Club banner, told The Royal Gazette. “The highlight of the day was probably my starting. It was very good in the first two races. The last race wasn’t an amazing start, and that is the reason I ended up third.

“I was pushing the entire time and working through the fleet.”

“I think I’m in second place overall right now and very close to first. I should be able to keep pushing forward towards the last day.

“Hopefully we sail tomorrow [today] and, if not, we will have the final day on Sunday, with most likely three or four races.”

A total of 28 sailors are competing in the Standard ILCA 7 class, including Daniel Escudero, who topped the standings going in to racing yesterday, taking place east of the St Petersburg Pier.

The one-design ILCA is regarded as the world’s most popular adult racing class boat that rewards athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques.

The 22-year-old is looking to build upon the success he achieved competing in the single-handed Olympic class dinghy last year, which saw him earn the silver medal at the International Laser Class Association and US Singlehanded Championship in Norfolk, Virginia.