Bermudian boaters have represented the island at a different kind of yachting event in England, with the International One Metre Bermuda National Class Association team attending the IOM World Championships.

The team, operating at the Bermuda Model Yacht Club, joined one of the world’s most competitive radio-controlled sailing classes last month at Datchet.

Sailor Adam Barboza explained: “These highly sophisticated model yachts measure exactly one metre in length and are raced by skippers using handheld radio transmitters from the shoreline.

“Despite their size, the boats demand the same tactical decision-making, wind awareness, boat tuning and racing strategy seen in full-sized yacht racing.

“The class has become hugely popular worldwide due to its close racing, technical design prowess, sail tuning and emphasis on sailor's course awareness and skills.

“Bermuda’s representation at the world championship was particularly significant because it followed the island’s first formal qualification series.

“During 2024 and 2025, the Bermuda NCA organised a six-race-day qualification championship which included 15 local sailors to determine who would earn the right to represent Bermuda on the international stage.”

At the conclusion of the Bermuda ranking series, Mr Barboza secured Bermuda's top qualifying position, followed by Eddie Bardgett and Wayne Correia as World Championship participants.

Veteran sailor Chuck Millican also earned a special qualification place to complete Bermuda’s team.

The 2026 World Championship marked the first international IOM competition for Mr Barboza, Mr Bardgett and Mr Correia against many of the world’s top radio sailors.

The championships ran from May 16 to 23.

According to the official event entry list, Bermuda fielded one of the highest participation rates per capita of any nation competing at the championship — reflecting the island’s growing enthusiasm and strength within the radio sailing community.

Mr Barboza competed using his K2 design yacht carrying sail number 21, while Mr Millican sailed a VISS design.

Mr Bardgett campaigned a V12 design yacht and Mr Correia sailed a V10.

The group said Mr Barboza recorded four individual heat race victories during the regatta, while Mr Bardgett secured a race win against strong international competition.

Mr Correia showed improvement as the championship progressed, and Mr Millican delivered a consistent performance.s

The event featured many of the top-ranked sailors and designers in the international IOM class.

Official race results after 18 races showed Mr Barboza finishing 46th overall, Mr Millican 78th, Mr Bardgett 80th and Mr Correia 83rd in an elite fleet of 84 competitors from across the world.

The group added: “While the event showcased world-class racing, the championship was also marked by several race management and procedural controversies.

“Barboza was at one stage issued a committee-imposed retirement related to a measurement and procedural matter, before later being reinstated after review.

“However, the correction was not fully reflected in the published final scoring, creating ongoing discussion among competitors regarding the administration of the event and the consistency of scoring adjustments.

“For Bermuda’s sailors, the event represented far more than results alone. It showcased the competitive ability of the local IOM fleet, the success of the Bermuda NCA’s structured qualification system and the passion that continues to drive the island’s model yacht racing community.”

Mr Correia, commodore of the Bermuda Model Yacht Club, called the experience “a learning curve in RC sailing internationally — we now know what to expect going forward”.