Cameron Pimentel, the Bermuda sailor, will put his skills to the test during next month’s Laser North American Championship in Long Beach, California.

Pimentel is making his first appearance in the Laser standard rig at the regatta where his goal is to finish among the top half of a fleet boasting some of the best Laser sailors in North America.

The occasion will also mark only the third time he has competed internationally in the Laser standard rig.

“I have actually never competed in the Laser standard North Americans, so this will be my first,” Pimentel said.

“I have, however, competed in the Laser radial North Americans which is held at the same venue as the standard.

“As this is only my third event ever internationally in the Laser standard and I am still gaining fitness, I am not expecting to be fighting for the victory as I was in the radial, but I do expect to be around the top 25 in the overall results which would be great for my progress.”

The 2016 Olympic hopeful thrived at previous North American Championships in the Laser radial before moving up to the standard rig.

He finished second at the 2007 North American Championships in Massachusetts, third at the 2010 event held in Texas and eighth in Canada in 2009.

The Laser radial is used internationally as the step before the Laser standard rig for younger sailors before they are heavy enough for the standard. The only difference between the Laser standard rig and the Laser radial is the latter uses a smaller sail.

The Laser North American Championship will be held from June 12 to 15 and will be hosted by Alamitos Bay Yacht Club.

“The regatta is being held in Long Beach California, which is a really nice place,” Pimentel said. “I have been there before, but I did not sail and get the firsthand experience. I was, however, able to get a feel for the conditions while I was there and I also did some research. Generally the area is very warm this time of year with a tricky light to medium breeze, which is similar to summer in Bermuda, so hopefully that is accurate.”

Pimentel will enter next month’s regatta with his confidence soaring after taking top honours in the Laser fleet at the Bermuda International Invitational Race Week.

“Doing well in Race Week has helped me realise that the if I continue to put the work in at the gym and on the water, the good results overseas will eventually come,” he said.

As for his preparations, Pimentel added: “Preparations are going well. I am trying to balance training on the water while also spending as much time working on my fitness as I can.

“The Laser is a very physically demanding boat and the top guys are professional athletes at these international events, so if you are not in top shape you will be left behind.”

Pimentel plans to travel to California several days before the Laser North American Championship starts to get a better feel for the conditions.

“Getting there early will help me get used to the wind and wave patterns, and give me time to tune the boat to make sure my boat speed is on par with the other top guys before racing starts,” he said.