Bermuda will be hosting this year?s Byte Class world championships.

The event, to be based at the Spanish Point Boat Club, will be sailed in the Great Sound from July 3-8.

Around 15 local sailors will compete among the 70-boat fleet in the popular class, a fast single-handed, Laser-style vessel. The boats use a transparent sail with orange trim on a self de-powering carbon fibre mast.

Veterans Malcolm Smith and Stevie Dickinson are expected to take part as well as graduates from the Optimist Class development programme.

?Single-handed sailing, in boats like the Byte, provides Bermuda?s young sailors with the discipline and self-confidence essential for achieving success throughout life,? said Dinos Iordanou, president of sponsors Arch Capital Group.

?More broadly, sailing has been an important part of Bermudian life for many years and Arch is delighted to be able to help sustain this and other Bermudian traditions and activities.?