week's North American Optimist Dinghy championships, being held in Island waters for the first time.

The event, hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, will also feature 21 local competitors from the RBYC, Sandys Boat Club, Government's White's Island summer programme, and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

Organiser Malcolm Kirkland noted that the Optimist class was an excellent introduction to sailing for young people.

"This boat is revolutionising sailing,'' he enthused. "It's mission is to a provide low cost introduction. It's made from plywood and is of a standardised size. It has gone worldwide.

"A seven-year-old cannot handle a Sunfish in rough water. I've seen experienced sailors give up and come in when our Optimists are smiling in heavy winds!'' Kirkland explained that the class taught all of the proper techniques of sailing along with responsibility and leadership.

"Our policy is that if any kid wants to sail and stick with it, we will give them every opportunity. We will get them a boat.'' Kirkland invited the public to watch the 12 races this week which would be held in the Great Sound over a two-and-a-half to three mile course.

The fleet will be scored overall and in age groups of under-11, 11 to 12, and 12 to 15.

Overseas sailors include those from the US national team, and representatives from Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Brazil and Ecuador.

Zan Kirkland, 15, and Lawson Williams, 13, lead a Bermuda team which also includes Husayn Brown, Stephen Kenny, Jonathan Kempe, and Hamish Burns.

The regatta centre is at Barr's Bay on Pitt's Bay Road, Pembroke.

The first race today begins at 12.00 noon while races for the rest of the week begin at 9.30 a.m.