Snowed in in Massachusetts last week, Zander Kirkland will be hoping to turn up the heat when he sets sail in Florida today.

Kirkland is among three Bermuda sailors taking part in the Laser Midwinters East Regatta in Clearwater, Ben Wicks and Brett Wright being the other competitors.

Around 100 of the best single-handed Laser sailors in North America compete at the event each winter, which this year takes place between today and Sunday.

Traditionally a qualifier for the US and Canadian national teams, the event takes on more significance in the lead up to the Pan American Games in August and next year's Olympic Games in Athens.

The Midwinters is the first qualifying tournament for the Pan Ams for Bermuda's sailors, with the second being the Bermuda Nationals at the end of next month.

Kirkland, a student at Tufts University, believes he has learned a lot in the past year and hopes to put his newly honed skills to good use this week.

"I went to the Laser Worlds when it was real windy and although I took a licking from the guys, who were pretty much professionals, I think I really learned a lot," he said. "It really showed when I got back to college. I had speed downwind and I was able to make boats up.

Not anticipating coming away with a podium finish, Kirkland nevertheless aims to be competitive.

"The first day may be a little rough because I will be a little rusty," he said. "But hopefully it will all come back.

"I am guessing there will be between 80 and 100 boats and I would like to be in the top 15. I think that would be a goal.

"As long as the conditions are moderate I would hope to be up there. I hope to pop up in some races, get off the line and just sail my best."

Competition will be tough and Kirkland is under no illusions as to the task ahead.

"There are some Europeans training in Florida right now and there's a core group of North American sailors that are very good and they will all be there," he said. "This is the lead up to the Games, so all the top Americans and Canadians will be there.

"I am looking forward to it and, hopefully, I'll be able to get settled into the boat quickly and not let my lack of boat time recently hurt me too much."

Veteran Wright, meanwhile, is coming off an excellent sixth place out of 46 competitors at the Midwinters Masters event and will be used to the conditions of the venue.

Wicks will be flying in from Bermuda's relatively warm weather and sailed at the weekend.