Christian Ebbin underlined his potential after producing another podium display at the Volvo Gill Optimist British and Open Championship in England.

The promising 14-year-old sailor earned the bronze medal after finishing third among the 58 qualifiers in the Gold Fleet with a best showing of second in the nine -race series.

It was Ebbin’s second straight trip to the podium at the event having secured the gold medal last year.

“I did my best to defend my title,” he said. “But the conditions were constantly changing and made it very difficult.”

Ireland’s James Matthews won the gold medal while the silver was claimed by Jaspar Nielsen of the Cayman Islands.

Jessica Riordan, also of Ireland, was the top female sailor and 19th overall followed by English duo Arwen Fflur and Ellie Creighton in second and third respectively.

Also doing the island proud at the championship was Magnus Ringsted who also qualified for the Gold Fleet where he finished 12th with a best showing of fourth.

“I really enjoyed sailing out of the former Olympic Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy,” Ringsted said.

“The conditions were difficult, but it was a great learning experience.”

The Volvo Gill Optimist British and Open Championship took place from July 27 to August 2 and was hosted by Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy where the 2012 Olympic Games sailing regatta was also held.

Ebbin and Ringsted have since joined up with the rest of Bermuda’s contingent in Ontario, Canada for the Cork International Optimist Regatta.

“We are excited to have a large contingent of sailors representing Bermuda and hopeful for some good results,” Ebbin said.

Ringsted said he and his team-mates are looking forward to competing in the forecast conditions.

“The last two days of practice has seen a few storms and today (yesterday) the wind has dropped out completely,” he added.

“The team are encouraged to see the forecast for steady winds building throughout the week.”

The remainder of the Bermuda team is comprised of Millie Lewis, PJ Rodrigues, Rachael Betschart, Laura Hupman and Sophia Dias.

“Bermuda sailors seem to be on a roll this summer and Boda (Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association) has high hopes for a podium finish along with a few in top 10,” Dede Cooper, Boda vice-president, said. “It’s fantastic to see the next generation of Boda sailors such as Sophia and PJ getting some more international exposure as well.”

The Cork International Optimist Regatta will be held from August 8 to 11, with racing set to commence on the Olympic Harbour in Portsmouth, tomorrow.