Fourteen-year old Sam Stan began defending his title when Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA) started their National Championship regatta yesterday morning on the Great Sound.

BODA are hoping to complete 15 to 18 races over the course during the three-day competition which ends tomorrow.

Stan is sailing against both local and foreign sailors in a fleet of over 30 boats.

Among the locals who will be challenging Stan are Antonio Bailey, Rory Caslin, Ellie Wollmann and Chase Cooper, all of whom put in good performances at the RenRe Junior Gold Cup last month.

Junior sailors have flown in from Germany, Swtitzerland, USA and Canada to compete on what is expected to be a breezy weekend.

Among the contenders are Germany's Marvin Firsch who is the current German and Swiss National Champion.

From North America, Jack Parkin will be showing his mettle following victories this year at the New England and Connecticut State Championships.

Many of the sailors spent the Remembrance Day holiday practising and checking gear prior to the start of the regatta which is being hosted by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

A special clinic and regatta for younger, less experienced 'Green Fleet' racers will be held this weekend, run by legendary Green Fleet coach Tom Coleman from the USA.

Up to 20 youngsters are hoping to benefit from morning and afternoon 'chalk talks, demonstrations and drills designed to improve their racing skills. They will be seeking calmer waters in Hamilton Harbour.

BODA president Anthony Bailey commended his team, made up of of local parents, coaches and the RHADC, for "meeting the logistical challenges and significant time demands to make the regatta happen."

"I thank them and the entire BODA family all the hard work and for welcoming our guests from overseas so warmly," said Bailey.

He added "the wind forecast for the duration of the regatta looks extrememly favourable and should provide the necessary challenge to see that the best sailors rise to the top over the course of the weekend."

Sponsors are PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Bermuda Container Line.