The Bermuda International Optimist sailing regatta, sponsored by XL Capital, gets underway today with John Gardiner, Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association president claiming that the Island is “leading the way” in the sport.

A total of 39 top junior sailors from around the world will be taking part in the new regatta which runs until Monday.

Competition will see a strong contingent of 15 overseas sailors, coming from as far afield as Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Mexico, Spain, Poland, the US and the UK, as well as some of the best from Bermuda.

The stiffest competition for local sailors will no doubt come in the shape of Croatian Filip Matika, a two-time world champion.

“BODA is particularly blessed to have a group of fabulous young sailors who are so committed to their sport,” Gardiner said yesterday during a press conference at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

“We also have a marvellous sailing organisation which never stops working as well as phenomenal corporate support from XL.

“This is the first time we have ever had an international event like this in Bermuda and although regattas like this are catching on elsewhere, there is no doubt that we are in the forefront.”

Bermudian sailor Sean Bouchard, 13, who placed first in the 2003 North American Championships and fifth in this year's Junior Gold Cup, said yesterday he was eagerly looking forward to the challenge.

“I can't wait to get started because we don't often get to race against the best international sailors unless we go away,” he said.

“The world champion is coming down so it will be a great experience to race against him and will help us to get better.”

Among other Bermudian sailors taking part will be Oliver Riihiluoma, who won the Junior Gold Cup this year and placed 60th in the World Championships and 25th in the North American Championships, and Elijah Simmons, who triumphed in his age group at the recent US National Championships.