Ethan Thompson underlined his potential after achieving one of Bermuda’s best showing in recent memory at the Optimist South American Championships in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

The 14-year-old Mount St Agnes student finished seventh among an overall fleet of 155 international sailors. He managed three top-three finishes, including a second in the first race of the final series competing in the gold fleet.

Sarah Davis was Bermuda’s top female sailor at the event and 55th overall. She came on in leaps and bounds during the final series of the regatta having achieved three top three finishes competing among the silver fleet.

Sophia Dias rounded off the top three local sailors at the event in 61st overall with a best showing of second also competing in the silver fleet.

Riley Lowe, Shiloh Cruickshank and Trystan Hocking were the island’s remaining sailors competing in the silver fleet. Lowe finished 78th, Cruickshank 90th and Hocking 99th.

Oliver Soares and Dylan Menzies finished 116th and 118th overall competing in the bronze fleet.

“Generally a good showing for team Bermuda with Ethan and Sarah excelling in the gold and silver fleets,” Jacob Hocking, the Bermuda team leader, told The Royal Gazette.

“The winds made up through the day, starting at under 10 knots and increasing to close to 20 by the end of the last race.

“The ocean swell was consistent and featured in the sailor's strategies at the start line and throughout the rest of the course.

“Our sailors have become more accustomed to the conditions and their improving results evidence this.”

Bermuda’s sailors were also accompanied by coach Pablo Weber in Argentina.

David Coates, of the United States, won the gold medal with compatriot Logan Mraz claiming silver and Franco Sanchez, of Argentina, bronze.

The host country recorded a clean sweep among the female podium with Julieta Benedetto Joseff clinching the gold medal and compatriots Francina Paz and Catalina Verna bronze.

Bermuda also entered two teams in the Nations Cup team racing event which was won by USA 1.

Bermuda 1 posted a record of one win and two losses to finish fourth among the eight participating countries.

Bermuda 2 bowed out of the competition earlier with two losses, including one against their team-mates on Bermuda 1.