Bermuda's swimming team have enjoyed an encouraging start to the Carifta Championships which got underway in Aruba yesterday.

On the opening day of competition, six Bermuda swimmers advanced to last night's finals.

Ashley Yearwood set the standard with two superb swims, making the finals in both of her events. In the 50 metres backstroke she clipped 1.3 seconds off her previous best time as well as establishing a new age group mark with a time of 32.79.

Her second swim saw her establish a new age group record of 1:12.24 in the 100 metres butterfly.

Morgan Hopkins advanced to the 200 metres breaststroke final with a fine performance which saw her duck under three minutes for the first time.

Julian Fletcher also earned his place in the finals of this event in the senior boys' age group.

Emma Franklin, competing for the first time in an international event, made the final of the 11 and 12 age group 50 metres backstroke.

Nicole Yearwood and Nick Thomson rounded out a supeb morning session, both making the finals of the 50m backstroke in their respective age groups.

The championships have attracted 288 swimmers from 14 countries.