The five-member Bermuda Optimist sailing team leaves the Island today to compete in the Optimist Worlds in Poland.

Campbell Patton, Tayte Stefaniuk, Micah Thomas Raynor, Luke Madeiros and Camille Chin-Gurret are representing the Island in racing near the town of Dziwno which is located in northwest Poland, close to Germany on the Baltic Sea. Competition takes place from August 25 to September 5 but the team, accompanied by team leader Steven Stefaniuk and representative Nicky Gurret, are arriving in Poland early in order to get in a few days of practice before racing begins.

The youngsters selected to represent Bermuda were chosen after a series of races over the last six months. They are excited to be representing their country where they will be competing against nearly 300 sailors from over 50 countries.

Generous assistance from sponsors Aspen and the Bermuda Sailing Association has provided funds to enable the team to charter their boats and provide accommodation during two weeks in Poland.