Bermuda?s Haley Powell triumphed in the US National Opti Girls Championship in Sarasota, Florida on Monday, well ahead of the 93 other competitors in a high-quality field.

Powell, 15, who is coached by two-time Uruguayan Olympic sailor Luis Chiapparro, was untouchable in the 4-8 knot winds in Sarasota Bay, finishing the one-day regatta?s four races in first, first, second and fourth respectively ? giving her first place overall by a prodigious margin.

The Bermuda High School for Girls student is in her final year of eligibility in the Opti class and has now set hers sights on the Opti World Championships in Uruguay this December.

Other local sailors competing in Sarasota were Renee Greenslade and Catalina Sposato, who finished 33rd and 44th respectively.