Like many aspiring athletes promising sailor Brian Bulhoes hopes to one day reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport.

And judging by the Mount Saint Agnes student's performance in the Great Sound yesterday, it would appear as though he is well and truly on the way to the top.

Bulhoes successfully defended his PricewaterhouseCoopers National Optimist title in the Advanced Fleet after overcoming light air conditions and a wobbly start to the regatta that saw nearly 50 sailors from Bermuda, Canada and USA compete.

The 15-year-old sailor started the final day of the two-day event in fifth but managed to make up considerable ground and hold off strong challenges from compatriots Dimitri Stevens and Owen Seise who finished second and third respectively.

This year marks Bulhoes' final year of eligibility in the Optimist class and on the completion of every leg in the Great Sound over the weekend it became evident that the promising sailor was determined not to go out without a bang.

But even Bulhoes admitted his successful title defence was anything but smooth sailing.

"At first I thought I wasn't going to catch up, it was pretty much nerve wrecking right to the end," he said. Bulhoes swapped the lead on several occasions with his nearest rivals and in yesterday's third race battled from the back of the fleet to pip Siese, who finished runner up in last year's event, on the downwind run to the leeward finish.

"Heading to the final windward I caught up with this big puff on the left side which took me straight to the top," he reflected.

"Overall I thought my boat handling was fine and although I am a bit big for this boat I managed to go fast in light breeze.

"I sailed very tactically today and was consistent on the water. If you are consistent on the water you are always going to do well. And that's exactly what I did - sailed consistently."

Bulhoes did not get off to the best of starts on Saturday as fifth, seventh, fifth and 11 place finishes kept him outside of the top three.

But determined not to go out without a fight, the youngster pulled up his socks and managed two firsts and two seconds, which, along with the throwout of his worst finish (11th) - sent him over the top.

He also benefitted from a slice of luck yesterday as rival Siese was black flagged in the fourth race for crossing the start line early, which costs the latter dearly in the hunt for top honours in the end.

The Mount Saint Agnes student Bulhoes now plans to progress to the 420 and Laser Radial and realise a dream of one day representing Bermuda in the Olympics.

"I definitely want to go to the Olympics one day," he smiled. "But I still have to improve and get even better because I am moving up to other classes."

Martin Siese, president of Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA), acknowledged Bulhoes' impressive fightback.

"Brian had to draw on all his experience and know how to hold off these smaller, lighter guys and he has done a very good job," he said. "He is a very smart sailor and hopefully he is going to stick with it."