This year’s Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta in Miami will be particularly special for Optimist sailor Evan Davis.

The 14-year-old is making his final appearance because he is ageing out of the annual event and hopes to sign off on a good note.

“I hope to finish as high as possible in Gold fleet this time at Orange Bowl,” Davis told The Royal Gazette. “I am a tall sailor and need medium to high winds to really compete in Optis.

“This one will be special because it’s my last time at Orange Bowl in an Opti and I am really looking forward to competing and challenging myself against some of the best sailors in the US.”

The promising sailor has added incentive to put his best foot forward at the upcoming event, hosted by Coral Reef Yacht Club from December 27 to 30.

“I usually go to regattas with my team and this one is with all my family there to support me in person, which is very special,” Davis added.

The Saltus student is among six sailors flying the island’s banner at this year’s regatta, which also includes Joseph Lau, Aiden Mahoney, Calypso Coulter, Salem Jackson-Smith and Aaron Riker.

Jackson-Smith, Riker, Lau and Mahoney are making their debut at the event.

Like Davis, Mahoney also has added incentive to put his best foot forward before ageing out this year.

“This will be my first time competing at Orange Bowl and I will be moving on from Optis to a different class in the new year,” he said.

Even though this is his first time competing at the regatta, Mahoney has a wealth of international experience under his belt.

“I have competed in Canada, Brazil and Argentina representing Bermuda and am looking forward to this last Opti competition in Miami and to start sailing with a new fleet in the new year,” he added.

Davis is once again looking forward to putting his skills to the test at this level.

“Competing at the international level can be tough and you always have to be ready to adapt quickly to the different conditions, such as current, wind or water temperature,” he said.

“Competing overseas has helped me practise my starts as there are many more boats on the start line than what we are used to in Bermuda.

“Sailing competitively really gives me something to strive for as I am always looking to improve on my last performance and has given me the opportunity to travel around the world and meet new friends.”

Bermuda’s Optimist sailors have been put through their paces in preparation for the regatta by national coach Pablo Weber.