Bermuda's experiences at the 2008 Volvo Youth Sailing World Championships, currently under way in Denmark, have been a learning curve for the Island's young representatives whose team leader Paul Doughty believes are firmly on the path to success.

Flying the Island's flag in Europe this week are Haley Powell, Libby Brewin, Joshua Greenslade and Blake Burgess who are all competing in the 29er Class, while William Hutchings continues to hold his own in the Laser Class with two days remaining in the major regatta.

"Without doubt there are many future Olympians and Olympic medalists here.

"Our sailors come out of a very strong Optimist Class background and are very much realising that the bar has been raised yet again in their chosen class," Doughty said.

"William (Hutchings) is showing vast improvement in the Laser Class and much credit should be given to his application.

"In the case of our other sailors out here, the results do not yet reflect the effort and committment they have shown."

Greenslade and Burgess and Powell and Brewin have found life extremely hard in the 29er boys and girls divisions while Hutchings has been the most consistent local sailor in Denmark.

"The worlds have been a huge learning curve for our young sailors. In fact, it is most likely the best training ground they could possibly experience.

"There is so much talent here," Doughty said.

The local contingent have also had to contend with challenging conditions in Europe.

"Both Saturday and Sunday saw seas that resemble the eastern entrance to Town Cut in St.George's in 20 knot easterly winds.

"There were very short fast moving high waves with very deep troughs," Doughty explained.

"This is particularly challenging to the 29er sailors, especially downwind where the boats surf and launch themselves into the backs of waves at speeds of 18 knots. Both the girls and boys team have worked hard to stay afloat and avoid capsising in these rugged conditions."

Meanwhile, a local contingent of promising sailors will be looking to make their mark at this week's International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) World Championships that starts today in Cesme, Turkey.

Representing Bermuda are Brian Bulhoes, Connor Astwood, Owen Siese and Christopher Sposato.

Bulhoes and Astwood competed at last year's International Optimist Dinghy Championships in Sardinia, Italy, and the pair's past experience at this level could again prove valuable in Turkey as the Islanders look to measure up against some of the world's best.

For rookies Siese and Sposato, this year marks their first trip to the Opti Worlds where team leader Martin Siese is optimistic the Island's young sailors will acquit themselves well.

The Bermudians arrived in Europe last week and since then have steadily adjusted to sailing in variable conditions.

"The team have been practising every day acclimatising to the local conditions and running through race drills with their coach (Pablo Weber)," team leader Siese said.

"Conditions so far have been very good – bright sunshine and good winds.

"The first practice day was sailed in 20 plus knots, but each day since has seen a little less wind."

The 2008 International Optimist Dinghy Association World Championships run from July –17 – 24.