Greenwich, Connecticut, to take part in the newly-formed Opti Swap Programme.

The joint venture is the brainchild of Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) commodore John Thompson, rear commodore Tom Miller and Tom Cox, head of the Indian Harbour Yacht Club's junior programme.

As well as having eight local youths housed overseas, a similar amount of American youngsters will be accommodated here from August 8-13.

Plenty of sailing, racing and other fun activities are planned at each location, with the Bermudians testing the waters of Long Island Sound against children from the Connecticut region, while their opposite numbers ply their craft against the best Bermuda can offer.

Bryan North-Clauss and Todd Irving, who currently instruct over 60 youngsters at RBYC, both played integral roles in choosing the team using a formula based on skill level, combined evaluation by other instructors and race results.

The team was picked from a pool of kids involved in various programmes throughout the Island. The local side has five from RBYC and three from the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club ranging in age from 10 to 13.

"We want to allow Bermuda's children to participate and see sailing in a wider, more global sense, rather then just on the Island,'' explained North-Clauss, currently in his third term as a summer instructor. He previously worked in the United States at Riverside Yacht Club and Nantucket Yacht Club.

"It helps to spark their interest in sailing by participating in this sort of Opti Swap Programme.

"They'll also learn about sailing in different conditions rather than reaching a point just sailing in Bermuda where they can't advance any further.

"They'll have to acquaint their sailing and in turn make themselves more rounded sailors thus helping develop their full potential.'' North-Clauss also noted that those concerned were anxiously awaiting the chance to test foreign waters and meet new friends.

Accompanying the kids on the trip will be Carola Cooper, who similarly instructs at RBYC and is a fine sailor in her own right.