With eight of 15 races completed at the Optimist World Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas, Bermuda's young sailors are continuing to impress.

While lighter than expected conditions have made it difficult for the Island's heavier sailors, the team are currently lying 21st out of 40 nations.

However, Jesse Kirkland is currently in fourth position overall in the individual standings.

"He is sailing with superb consistency and has managed six finishes in the top ten," said team leader Reid Kempe.

Kirkland has so far posted finishes of 5, 9, 6, 2, 13, 3, 4 and 26.

Another top ten placing was achieved by Edward Thompson who sailed to a superb sixth.

With stronger winds during races six, seven and eight, Kempe noted that the heavier sailors began to improve.

Jonathan Kempe achieved a creditable 16th and Rajae Woods and Geoffrey Smith finished 41st and 42 respectively.

In the fleet of 208, Kirkland lies fourth, Thompson 85th, Kempe 112th, Woods 185th and Geoffrey Smith 198th.

"At the beginning, the team had difficulties starting with so many boats on the line," added Kempe. "They are not used to large fleets and the congestion is very stressful. But they have been starting better.

"The sea conditions are challenging as well with very short, steep waves."

Added Kempe: "Bermuda is very much a topic of conversation here with Jesse's performance and also given the fact that Bermuda is hosting the North American Championships soon after the Worlds."