Island's most promising young sailors.

Scott Norman, sailing director for the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Florida, will arrive today to put the cream of those involved in the Optimists fall series through their paces.

Parent Mike Wicks, who with fellow father Lee Black has been instrumental in securing the US Optimists team coach's services, said the aim of the four-day clinic was to focus on skills such as boat handling and turning rather than tactics, although that would be covered if time permitted.

Wicks said: "With Bermuda hosting the North American championships next August, we thought it was a good idea to have someone to work with the advanced sailors who have the best chance of doing well.

"Last year we had Brett Davies over and that went well. We realised if our youngsters can get exposure to good coaching there is no limit to what they can do.'' "It was difficult to identify someone at such short notice but Scott has experience with teams and individuals at both national and international levels.'' A dozen registered skippers ranging in age from nine to 14 will take part in the clinic, which begins this evening with a classroom session. Instruction in the boats and on the water will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a regatta on the final day.