Sean Bouchard led Bermuda's charge at the recent World Optimist Sailing Championships, posting three first places on the way to finishing 32nd overall in the annual regatta.

Bermuda, who sent five young sailors to the event in Salinas, Ecuador, finished 18th among the 51 countries who competed, and three of the Island's youngsters placed among the top 100 individuals.

Sponsored by XL Capital, the team of Bouchard, Oliver Riihiluoma, William Hutchings, Cameron Pimentel and Ryan Saraiva sailed against 228 youngsters from around the world in what turned out to be testing conditions.

Weather conditions were cloudy with cool southerly breezes of around 10 knots with a slight ocean current.

Under the leadership of Bermuda coach Pablo Weber, Bouchard grabbed three first places while other members of the team combined to score two top 10s and several top 25s.

Coach Weber said he was "very pleased" with Bermuda's final results in what was a "very competitive championship".

Also travelling with the group were team leader Barbara Hutchings and country representative Rene Bouchard.

While Bouchard finished 32nd, Riihiluoma placed 59th overall, Hutchings 76th, Pimentel 107th and Saraiva 134th.