Lenny DeSilva and fellow team-mates Sebastian Pruter and Eike Dietrich’s struggles continued at the European Championships in Lake Garda, Italy on Thursday.

The trio posted finishes of 18-19-16 in the three races contested in blustery conditions to slip from sixteenth to nineteenth position in the 23-boat fleet.

“Today was blowing 25 knots plus and it was a challenge to to keep the boat upright,” DeSilva told The Royal Gazette.

“I'm happy with our boat handling and communication on board as we kept the boat driving through the manoeuvres.”

DeSilva is making his debut in the 18-foot skiff and is also competing alongside Pruter and Dietrich for the first time.

The 34-year-old has previous experience competing in the championships in in the 49er class, which he hopes to represent Bermuda in at the 2028 Olympic Games.

German Heinrich Bayern, who chalked up two more wins on Thursday, stretched his lead at the top from one point to five with one day of racing remaining.

Australian Fang Warren sits in second followed by compatriot Keegan Leslie York in third, a farther point off the lead.