Sebastian Kempe put in a solid performance at the ILCA UK Open and National Championships in Weymouth, England.

The Bermudian topped the international standings, secured the silver medal in the under-21 men’s division and was fourth overall among the fleet of 60 in his first competitive sailing for nearly two months.

“I have been on a vacation for the last bit and now I’m getting back into sailing, so this gives me excitement for what’s to come,” an optimistic Kempe told The Royal Gazette.

“I was rusty going into the week but was excited because I have done a lot of work mentally recently and wanted to see how I held up when under pressure.

“I was happy because my performance mentally was always robust and I was very consistent with my results. I had the best gross points (50) in the event, so I’m happy with that.”

The 19-year-old held a one-point advantage over England’s Arthur Farley at the top of the under-21 division and was tied for first overall with James Foster heading into the final day.

However, fourth and eighth-place finishes in the final two races of the 11-race series came at a significant cost, as he ended up second in his age division and narrowly missed out on an overall podium finish.

“I’m not concerned about missing the podium here,” Kempe insisted. “I’m sure there will be bigger podiums in my future for me to climb.

“I am just going to get myself physically together again and get back on the horse.”

The former youth world champion in the ILCA 6 was consistent throughout the championships as he posted four top-three finishes, including victory in the fifth race contested in the single-handed Olympic-class dinghy.

Finley Dickinson, of England, won the regatta, with Foster and Farley taking the silver and bronze medals.

Kai Wolgram, also of England, claimed the bronze in the under-21 men’s division to round off the podium.