Laser class of the recent Midwinter Championships at Sarasota in Florida.

His final position was affected by a premature start in the fourth of the five race series but he recorded finishes of 50th, 34th, 35th and 26th in the others. The first two races were held in very light winds and the remaining three in a medium breeze.

John Torgeson, of Maryland, was the overall winner of the event with Brett Davis, a former Royal Bermuda Yacht Club instructor, now of Largo in Florida, finishing second.

Wright now turns his attention to a series of events in Europe starting in May and lasting about a month.

First up is a regatta in Holland, which is followed by competitions in Copenhagen, Denmark and Kiel, Germany.

Said Wright: "The European events are more competitive but I'd hope to see the top half in each one.'' THE WRIGHT STUFF -- Laser sailor Brett Wright seen in action during the recent Midwinter Championships in Sarasota, Florida, where he finished a creditable 40th out of 105 competitors.