Genevieve Lau put Bermuda sailing firmly on the map after claiming the girls title at the North American O’pen Bic Championship in San Diego, California at the weekend.

The 16-year-old sailor won seven of the 13-race series to secure top spot among the girls division and was second in an overall fleet of 89 at the regatta hosted by Mission Bay Yacht Club that concluded on Sunday.

Lau finished six-points shy of overall winner Kelly Holthus of the San Diego Yacht Club.

The promising Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club sailor’s success arrives on the heels of her outstanding showing at January’s O’pen Bic World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand where she finished third in the under-17 girls division and eleventh in an overall fleet of 69.

Emily Davis was Bermuda’s second-highest finisher at the recent North American O’pen Bic Championships in San Diego and 27th overall with Raphael Rudolph rounding off the top three local sailors in the fleet in 49th overall.

Breathing right down Rudolph’s neck a spot back in 50th was compatriot Samantha Soares followed by Joanna Santiago in 55th and Sergio de Frias in 59th.

Sven Curley finished 62nd, Sofia Amaral 69th, Gabriella Emma Quinn-Sirera 70th, Jordan Vieira 73rd and Phoenix Bowers in 82nd.

Soares, of the St George’s Sailing Academy, completed an impressive double for Bermuda after being crowned as the North American O’pen Bic freestyle champion during a separate competition held on the second day of the regatta.

The freestyle competition saw competitors perform various stunts in the boat such as push ups, head stand, climbing the mast and other balancing acts.

Soares was chosen as the most creative and captivating act by the panel of judges.

Bermuda was represented by an 11-strong contingent comprised of both Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club and St George’s Sailing Academy members.