Only two days remain until Bermuda puts 22 of its top Optimist sailors up against 93 competitors from nine countries in the Colonial Group Optimist North American Championship.

Hosts Bermuda will be up against sailors from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, US Virgin Islands and Japan.

The North American Championships will comprise 12 long course races, weather permitting, over six days.

Mid-regatta there will be national team racing in Hamilton Harbour on the Gold Cup course.

In addition to the Championship fleet, there will also be a novice fleet rendezvous of similar size running in Granaway Deep with kids and coaches from all of the clubs, White's Island and Bermuda Sea Cadets.

One important objective is the interaction of kids from around the world and even around Bermuda.

"Sailing is a great unifier," said Paul Doughty, North American organising chief, "and is Bermuda's natural sport so this is really a celebration of our culture."

The Championship team for Bermuda comprises 22 youngsters who have worked extra time since January to acquit themselves, most representing the country for the first time.

The event is made possible through the title sponsorship of Colonial Group, and the sponsorship of the Bermuda Department of Tourism, XL Capital, and Renaissance Reinsurance.

There has also been assistance from Bermuda Container Lines, Island Wide Security, PW's Marine, Fresco's, Little Venice Group, Flying Colours, Partner Re, Dunkley's Dairy, John Barritt and Son, AC Brewer and BTC.