Bermuda’s contingent at the International One Design World Championship in Norway will have to wait at least another day before getting their campaigns under way.

Regatta organisers cancelled the opening two races on Sunday to prevent boats from being damaged by winds exceeding 20 knots and choppy seas.

Flying Bermuda’s flag at the event are helmsmen Patrick Cooper and Kelsey Durham, who took matters in their stride.

“Wind was over 20 knots and the sea state much like South Shore would be at 20 knots,” Cooper told The Royal Gazette.

“Half the fleet are wooden boats and some are dating back to 1937, so the organising authority did the right thing protecting the boats at the start of the regatta.

“This means no lay day on Wednesday and five days of straight racing.”

Cooper, who achieved his best showing to date of third when Bermuda hosted the IOD World Championship in 2022, is making his fifth appearance at the event and is competing with crew Martin Siese, Andrew Butterworth, Bill McNiven and Craig Davis.

Durham, who is making his regatta debut this year, also agreed with the race committee’s decision to keep the 20-strong racing fleet ashore.

“I think it was a good call,” he said. “It was really windy and rough, so we didn’t even go on the water.

“It is really cold and windy and tomorrow [Monday] doesn’t look too good either.”

Durham, 30, is competing with crew Nico Stefani, Heath Foggo, Roger Beach and Michael Richold.

Also among the fleet in Norway is defending champion and multiple Bermuda International Invitational Race Week winner, John Burnham, who is representing the Fishers Island IOD fleet.