Most of the contenders for Bermuda's spot in the Byte class at the Youth Olympics in Singapore are expected to be on the start line this weekend when the 2010 Byte National Championships take place.

Dede Cooper from the Bermuda Sailing Association said: "We expect all Youth Olympic Games eligible sailors – except overseas students – to participate in this warm-up event to the Selection Trials which will run over four weekends in June and July.

"The sailors have an intense training programme leading up to and through the trials so that all sailors can be at their best."

Bermuda qualified for a spot at the Youth Olympics earlier this year at a regatta in the Cayman Islands. The young local Byte sailors then went to the World Championships in France.

The upcoming Selection Trials will be used to see who will fly the flag in Singapore this August.

Following the Worlds in France, coach Pablo Weber said he was confident that Bermuda can "punch above its weight" when it comes to international competition and the possibility of a podium finish at the Games in Singapore this August is a viable reality.

The 2009 Byte National Championships were not sailed last year because of the bad weather Bermuda experienced.

Cooper said because the 2009 championships were constantly being rescheduled "we opted to forego 2009 as it seemed a bit silly to hold the 2009 Nationals in May of 2010."

This weekend's racing will start off Spanish Point Boat Club, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

"Finally we have good weather and a race committee along with a sponsor, HWP," said Cooper.

Among the sailors expected to compete this weekend are Owen Siese, Alex Davis, Kalin Hillier, Rahiem Steede and Brian Bulhoes. Also ex-WaterWise and Opti sailor Brian Bulhoes may decide to race as may Sarah Hopkin and Byte class president Pat Young.