Owen Siese led Bermuda's charge at the Byte CII World Championships in Cannes, France yesterday when he claimed fifth place after three races on the opening day.

Siese is one of five young Bermuda sailors in France at the Worlds and he opened his account with a second place in the first race behind World Champion Xun Chai from Singapore. Siese then had finishes of 16th and sixth in the day's remaining races.

The next Bermudian was Kalin Hillier who finished the day in 12th place while Rahiem Steede ended up in 24th place followed by Dimitri Stevens in 30th place and Alexander Davis in 41st place.

There are 44 sailors from around the world in the championships which is also being used as a qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore this summer.

Bermuda have already earned a spot in the Youth Olympics and are using these championships as training. Bermuda coach James Davis said yesterday from France: "Owen did very well.

"We had three races as well as a practice race today.

"They (organisers) are trying to get in four races in a day."

The conditions are lighter than what the Bermuda sailors have been used to – especially this past winter. "There is a little ocean swell but definitely very light conditions.

"We expected 13-16 knots which is what we are used to at home but today the wind dropped out and by the third race it was very, very light - more than we expected."

Bermuda's team are sailing in wetsuits because of the cool conditions. Davis said: "It can be quite cool in the morning and when the wind does pick up it can get quite cold – that is something they have to get used to.

And of course, the water is very, very cold."

Davis said that many of the sailors in the regatta will also be sailing at the Youth Olympics this summer.

The championships end on Sunday.