place finish for Bermuda in a fleet of more than 100 at the recent Atlantic Coast Optimist Championships in Annapolis, Maryland.

Some 126 dinghies jostled for position in frenzied starts in Chesapeake Bay.

Sailing in light three to six-knot breezes, Kirkland struggled somewhat in the two opening races, placing 11th on both occasions, but by the third outing the 12-year-old figured out the mystery, placing second while nailing down third place overall and first in his age bracket.

Three other Bermudian competitors, all new to overseas competition and using the outing more to gain experience through the exposure, placed further down the fleet, with 12-year-old Oliver Kempe 68th, followed by Geoffrey Smith (12) in 71st position and Rajae Woods winding up 101st.

Next on the calendar is the Orange Bowl Junior Olympic Regatta in Miami, where 10 Bermuda sailors will compete.