The high point of the Bermuda Optimist fleet local season arrives this weekend when the Bank of Bermuda Nationals (Advanced Fleet) take place in the Great Sound.

"Winter is usually a better all round test for a National Championship with the greater wind and waves - summer also conflicts with the critical development experience of competing in overseas regattas," said BODA Sailor Development Officer Malcolm Kirkland.

The Nationals also constitute the first half of the qualifications for the 2003 IODA World Championships in the Canary Islands next July where the top five qualifiers will represent Bermuda.

The trials consist of 20 races in two parts - one in December and one in March.

"Kids improve at such different rates that it is better to have part of the qualification separated in time," said Kirkland.

Teams will also compete in the IODA South Americans, North Americans and European Championships.

The National competition this year is going to be unsurpassed with 25 local sailors on the line plus four visiting US competitors.

Bermuda's Jesse Kirkland (14) is now the old man of the fleet. However, a bunch of hot, younger and lighter sailors are now routinely chasing him down in light winds led by Sean Bouchard, Oliver Riihilouma, Elijah Simmons and Cam Pimentel - all of whom won weekend series this fall along with Kirkland.

Also competing will be Gregory Wade, Jez Burrows, Chris Dutton and Kieran Evans - a group of Sea Cadets from the east end coached by Paul Doughty.

"These guys are players, they are coachable," he said. "Doing the Nationals will be a great step up for them, a real challenge in terms of skill and endurance, particularly in forecast winds. This is the outdoor leadership part of sailboat racing."

Racing will start at 10 a.m. today and tomorrow with Monday a spare day. Ten races are scheduled, with four required for a Championship. There will be a prizegiving following at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club at 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three, top sailor of opposite gender, top Under-11 and top visitor.