Lack of experience proved to be Bermuda’s undoing in the team event at the Optimist North American Championship in Puerto Rico.

The island had two teams, with Bermuda I consisting of Miguel Power, Thomas McBain, Harry Brown, Evan Davis and James Ganal beating Mexico II, before being overpowered by Puerto Rico II, who went on to finish third overall.

Rory Savage, Emma Brown, Noah Amaradasa and Nina Gotfredsen, who made up Bermuda II, defeated Mexico only to be eliminated by Bahamas.

Puerto Rico I won the team racing, followed by United States II, while Puerto Rico II were third. Bermuda I, who were seeded fourth heading into the races, ultimately finished ninth.

Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association secretary, Dede Cooper, felt that considering the circumstances, the teams did not perform that badly.

“For a fairly inexperienced bunch it was not a bad showing and each match was very close,’’ Cooper said.

“I wasn’t even completely sure if we had won or lost as they crossed the line as they were so close together.”

“Only Nina and Miguel have team racing experience at International Optimist Dinghy Association events, and both were disappointed with how the team finished.”

The regatta turns back to to the final series of solo races on Thursday with the young sailors divided into gold, silver and bronze fleets as the competition heads to a close.

Gotfredsen, McBain and Power are in the gold fleet, with Savage, Davis and Harry Brown in silver as Emma Brown and Ganal compete in the bronze fleet.

“Thursday is the final series and our sailors are scheduled to do three races and two on Friday to close out the regatta,’’ Cooper added.

“There are five fleet races remaining and we’re hoping to see Miguel in the top 15 overall and top-ten North American.

“We’re also hoping for the silver and bronze fleet sailors to move up the leaderboard in their respective fleets.”