Bermuda’s young sailors are heading into the Lake Garda Meeting in Italy with high expectations.

The ten sailors are part of more than 1,000 from over 40 countries taking part in the biggest single-class regatta in the world from Thursday to Sunday.

Coach Nico Stefani, from Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, is taking charge of the Bermudian group and among his charges is Rory Savage, whose target is a top-20 finish.

“I’m excited for what is to come,’’ Savage said. “I want to be in the top 20, at least. The preparations have gone as I hoped but It makes me feel small to be at this event with over 1,000 people.”

Nina Gotfredsen, Bermuda’s top female optimist sailor, is hoping for perfect conditions.

“I’m praying for good wind for the regatta, with no rain,” she said. “My goal is to be in gold fleet. I’m excited to be here as the conditions in Lake Garda are usually perfect for me with big winds.

“It’s special to be sailing in a fleet of more than 200 boats as we don’t usually get that opportunity. It’s an amazing learning opportunity to be sailing in this regatta and it’s so beautiful here.

Nina’s young brother Tadhg will be racing at a regatta of this size for the first time.

“I’m a bit nervous about racing tomorrow since it is my first real regatta,’’ Tadhg said.

“I’m not used to sailing with a lot of people on the start line but here there will be about 250 in each fleet. I feel well prepared and I think I will do well.”

Harry Brown is looking forward to a great experience while hoping that luck is on his side.

“I’m excited to be racing tomorrow [Thursday], but I’m a little overwhelmed from the sheer number of boats,’’ Brown said.

“I hope the conditions get a little bit better and are not as rainy all the time. The rain makes it even more freezing cold.

“I want to do my best but there is a little luck involved. I think it’s a good experience to be at an event with so many boats.”

Jesse Savage has some doubts about his state of preparedness since he is not accustomed to the conditions.

“I feel unprepared for tomorrow [Thursday) because I’m used to different conditions and the conditions are unpredictable,’’ he said.

“It’s a bit overwhelming, but also a fun experience to be sailing with over 1,000 sailors. I want to come in the top 65 per cent.”

Simon Thompson is carrying a lot of confidence heading into the regatta.

“I’m pretty confident in myself,’’ Thompson said. “I think I can do pretty well and I’m hoping to get gold fleet.

“The training has been good to get back after the winter. I just can’t wait to get sailing in the regatta at this amazing place.”

Fin Lohan is delighted to be taking part in a regatta of such high magnitude.

“The past few days haven’t been that good because of light wind and rain but I’m feeling pretty good about racing tomorrow [Thursday ],’’ Lohan said.

“I expect to make silver fleet. It’s very exciting to be here but it is also a lot to be at this event with over 1,000 sailors.”

Joseph Lau, who is competing at this event for the second time, is hoping to finish in front of his peers from around the world

“I’m excited to be here in Lake Garda for the second time,’’ he told The Royal Gazette.

“I want to beat people from around the world with common interest in sailing. I’m aiming for at least silver fleet.”

John Dwyer is determined to finish all his races and avoid the wooden spoon

“I’d like to be in silver fleet and finish every race and not be last,’’ Dwyer said.

“It feels very nerve-racking to be here with so many boats. I feel well prepared because of all my training and practice.”