Sailors Campbell Patton and Adriana Penruddocke have endured a baptism of fire at the Olympic Test Event in Marseilles, France.

The local pair have found the going extremely tough in trying conditions against some of the world’s elite in their respective divisions.

Patton sits 35th among the 42-strong men’s dinghy fleet and Penruddocke 30th among the 38 competitors in the women’s dinghy division.

Despite failing to meet his expectations so far and being plagued by a string of setbacks, Patton insists there are still positives to take away from the experience.

“The results do not meet my expectations so far despite the level being extremely high here,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I have had a number of mishaps throughout the week. I had some problems with my chartered boat and one disqualification for being over the line early.

“It’s been pretty windy with some big swells, which is challenging physically, and I am working through some minor injuries. I was also sick last week so it’s been a struggle, but I am enjoying the challenge.

“The results haven’t been as strong as I was hoping but overall pleased with my performance.

“Although the results don’t reflect my performance, I have been enjoying myself here and definitely learning a lot.”

While the results have not been to his liking, Patton is grateful for the opportunity to enhance his skills against world-class sailors in the men’s single-handed ILCA 7 class.

“Always competing with these guys is just so important for my development and I am always aiming to spend more time in Europe because that’s where I can train and race against the top guys,” he added.

“I’ve had some moments of brilliance and it’s just a matter of connecting my strengths and being a bit more consistent and with that I think my results will be a lot stronger.”

Patton’s best moment at the event so far came when he narrowly beat reigning Olympic champion and regatta leader, Matt Wearn.

“The highlight of this event so far was race four where I finished neck and neck with the present Olympic champion (Wearn),” he said. “I almost beat him but he just got me at the finish line, so that was a pretty exciting moment.”

Penruddocke is alos grateful for the opportunity to enhance her skills and believes her results have overshadowed the progress she has made in the women’s single-handed ILCA 6 class.

“So far it’s been an incredible experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity for personal development,” she said.

“I’ve already seen some massive gains even though the results don’t show as much as I would like, but that’s part of it.”

With their hopes of competing in the medal race having been dashed, Patton and Penruddocke will now look to end the regatta on a brighter note in the remaining two qualifying races in their respective divisions.

“Depending on the conditions we get, it will be about managing risk and trying to stay clear with my plan,” Penruddocke said.

Patton is among a trio of local sailors attempting to represent Bermuda in the class at next year’s Olympics along with Sebastian Kempe and Benn Smith.

The Australia-based sailor was chosen over Kempe and Smith for the right to compete at the Olympic Test Event while Penruddocke, who is based in England, is the island’s only competitor with an active programme in the class.