Six of Bermuda's most promising junior sailors have been competing against some of the best young talents in the world at the Gill IOCA UK British & Open National Championships 2025, hosted by the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.
The prestigious regatta saw the Bermudian contingent split across the Gold and Silver Fleets, with each sailor gaining crucial experience in a highly competitive environment.
In the Gold Fleet, Thomas Mcbain led the Bermudian charge, finishing in a respectable 22nd place with a total of 203 Net Points. Mcbain showcased flashes of his top-end potential, with a best finish of 6th in the first qualifying race and a strong 9th place in the final race, a testament to his resilience and ability to compete with the top tier of the fleet.
He was joined in the Gold Fleet by Heath Meyers, who finished 47th with 335 Net Points. Meyers also demonstrated his capabilities with a best finish of 9th in two of the qualifying races, a valuable result in such a large and competitive field. Miguel Leite was the third Bermudian in the Gold Fleet, finishing 61st with 468 Net Points, with his best results being a pair of 25th place finishes in the qualifying rounds.
In the Silver Fleet, Benjamin De Couto put in a standout performance, leading the Bermudian sailors by finishing in 8th place with 343 Net Points. His best result of the regatta was a superb 3rd place finish in the fourth race of the final series, highlighting his ability to battle for a podium spot.
Alfie Jansma finished 41st in the Silver Fleet with 516 Net Points, with his best race being a 17th place finish in the fourth final race. James De Couto rounded out the Bermudian contingent, finishing 60th with 665 Net Points, and a best finish of 28th place in the final race of the regatta.
The experience gained at this level, competing at a venue with a rich Olympic sailing history, will prove invaluable for all six young sailors as they continue their development in the sport. Their performances on the UK stage demonstrate the depth of talent emerging from Bermuda's sailing community.
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