Byte World Championships in Canada.

The 16-year-old finished off his series as runner-up in the 10th and final race in Portsmouth harbour, Kingston, Ontario, and declared: "I feel great.'' Winner of that race, and the championships, was consistent Canadian Eric Holden, whose worst finish was eighth.

After discarding his two worst placings, Holden finished with 28 points, with Kirkland second on 97 points, after a series of 4-42-19-1-1-2-1-17-8-2.

Portsmouth harbour has been a happy hunting ground for Kirkland, who won the North American Optimist title there two years ago.

The Warwick teenager had never even sailed a Byte, the official Canadian youth boat, until three weeks ago.

Kirkland went into the final race in third place in the standings and had his sights set on Canadian Mike Todd, who held second spot.

"I had to beat him by one point,'' said Kirkland. "I started near him and stayed with him. When the shift came, I made my move.'' Kirkland now hopes a Byte fleet can be established in Bermuda. To learn to sail the boat, he had to go to Canada, and spent a few days of intensive training on Lake Ontario.

Holden had held the lead from the first day and all week looked an insurmountable barrier between Kirkland and the world title.

Two other Bermudians took part, Ben Wicks and Lawson Wiliams, both 14.

Wicks (49-48-41-23-39-33-27-46-17-34) placed an impressive 35th out of the 78 young sailors, while Williams (31-57-59-OCS-32-41-47-55-56-41) was 51st.