If sailing in heavier air is Cecilia Wollmann’s handicap, she has not shown it so far at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in Malaysia.

Yesterday, the Rio Olympics hopeful held her own in winds exceeding 20 knots for the second successive day to remain within striking distance of her aim for a top-ten finish.

Wollmann sits in fourteenth spot in the 49-strong Laser Radial girls fleet after four races despite sailing in rough conditions which do not play to her strengths.

Her best score to date is a seventh and worst 24th which she discarded yesterday.

Magdalena Kwasna, of Poland, led the Laser Radial girls fleet after four races and one drop by five points over nearest rival Maria Erdi of Hungary.

Meanwhile, also representing Bermuda in Malaysia is Cecilia’s brother, Mikey, in the 68-strong Laser Radial boys fleet.

Mikey, who is also making his debut at the Youth Sailing World Championships, moved up one spot from 37th to 36th after posting finishes of 25th and 35th and discarding his worst score of 42nd.

Accompanying the siblings is coach Christian Noe, who is encouraged by the pair’s performances in the challenging conditions.

“I’m happy with their performance, Mikey is rocking the starts and Ceci very well too,” he said.

“Ceci is gaining speed with some new tips and Mikey too, sailing almost the same speed than other crews with 10-15 more kilos.

“They’re happy and playing hard.”

Noe believes the siblings are capable of making a charge up the leaderboard in their respective fleets when the breeze eventually subsides.

“Ceci could place in the top five and Mikey in the top ten with light conditions,” he said. “They’re reading the place very well, especially Ceci.”

Racing continues today with more heavy breeze forecast.