Sebastian Kempe is determined to improve on his previous showing at the ILCA Under-21 Laser World Championships.

The Bermudian sailor placed fifth at last year’s event in Vilamoura, Portugal, and is optimistic he can fare even better this time around when racing begins at this year’s regatta in Morocco on Sunday.

“I am looking forward to the Under-21 World Championships in Morocco,” Kempe told The Royal Gazette.

“I was fifth at the event last year and this time I am hoping to challenge the fleet for more.

“I know what needs to be done to get on the podium so everything will come down to my execution.”

Kempe is looking forward to challenging himself at the highest level and hopes his dedication will find reward at the regatta, which concludes October 22.

“The preparations are going very well and I am feeling strong mentally and physically and ready for any conditions,” he said.

“I can’t wait to go back into a championship environment and it is my first time competing in Africa.

“This week I am just focusing on getting used to the area and preparing for next week, which will be long and gruelling.”

The 18-year-old has already enjoyed success at the international level after securing gold and silver medals in the men’s Laser Radial at the Youth Sailing World Championships and he is high on confidence after winning age-group honours and fininshing second of 57 overall at the UK Laser Association Open & National Championships in August.

The promising sailor posted six top-three finishes during the 12-race series, including two firsts and a second, with the event following on the heels of the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Hague, Netherlands, where he placed 68th among the 138-strong men’s dinghy fleet.

“We drove overnight from the World Championships in The Hague to the event, which was in Hayling Island in the UK,” Kempe said.

“I think my performance was very good especially at the end of the week after the immense amount of fatigue that I had from the Worlds started to kick in. Nevertheless, I’m still pleased with the second place.”