Bermuda were beaten by Canada yesterday in team racing at the South American Optimist Championships in Uruguay.

Paul Wollmann, manager for Bermuda's team of six sailors, said last night: "We didn't have a great day today. In the first race against Canada II, we would have won but we had an OCS."

Bermuda had four sailors racing and one suffered the OCS. "We thought we were clear but . . . team racing is so quick that once you have finished it is done – nothing can be done about it."

An OCS (on the course side) refers to where a boat is when the starting signal goes. If you are OCS, you are on the wrong side of the line and will be penalised for an early start.

In the second race Bermuda were matched against Canada I team and the Island's young sailors lost out again.

"Everyone sailed except for Mickey (Wollmann). We had four sailing and one reserve in both races," said the team manager.

The other Bermuda sailors are national champion Sam Stan, Ferdinand Arnold, Rory Caslin, Ellie Wollmann and Ceci Wollmann.

Bermuda fared much better at the South American Championships last year when the Island's sailors finished in second place, losing to Team USA in the finals.

This time Bermuda's team are still waiting for the wind to blow on the Punta del Este.

"We had a bit more wind today – it eventually reached between 10 to 15 knots but when we were sailing it was more like five to 10 knots, maybe on the low side, added Wollmann.

"We had expected the winds to be blowing 20-plus with some big seas because that is what (this area) is known for. But it has not happened yet. And our sailors have been training in very strong winds and seas during the winter in Bermuda. All we can hope for is that the winds pick up on Friday and also for the final day on Saturday."

For nine-year-old Mikey Wollmann, the championships are proving to be a great experience.

"He is probably the youngest sailor here. Perhaps there may be one his age from the Uruguay team but I have yet to find anyone younger. This is great experience for him and he is doing well.

Today will be a free day for the sailors and Wollmann said the Bermuda sailors would take a tour of the town and also see some of the Uruguay countryside.

"It will also give a chance to regroup. Four races are scheduled for Friday before the final two races on Saturday.

"This has been a great experience for our young sailors. We have the world champion and also the North American champion sailing here. This is definitely one of the top regattas in the world."

Sam Stan is currently the top local sailor in Uruguay, sitting in 41st place overall in the massive fleet of 165 sailors.