AFTER more than a year of limited practice sessions on the high seas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 13 Bahamian sailors qualified for the North American Championships in Nayarit, Mexico.

The team consisted of nine boys and four girls - Joshua Weech, Matthew Reid, Craig Ferguson, Zane Munro, Kaeman Floyd, Conry Raine, Finley Lambert, Norman Cartwright and Patrick Tomlinson.

With limited time to train, coaches Robert Dunkley and Martin Manrique worked tirelessly to get the team mentally and physically prepared for the tough competition ahead. With five long days of sailing, the perseverance for many showed its face.

Two sailors Joshua Weech and Craig Ferguson qualified and advanced to the gold fleet. Mary Jack Nash and Matthew Reid missed the gold fleet by only one and two points.

The rest of the team sailed in the silver fleet for the last two days of racing.

The week had its ups and downs with sailors having great finishes and some tough endings.

Through smiles, tears and dedication they all sailed their hearts out!

This was a wonderful opportunity and such an incredible experience for our future young Bahamian sailors to let our name be known.

In the gold fleet, Craig Ferguson placed 25th and Joshua Weech was 49th.

In silver fleet, Bahamas stole the show with Kaeman Floyd in 1st place and Matthew Reid in 3rd

This was a highly competitive championship and for some their first exposure to this level of top sailing.

The team worked hard, supported each other and sailed the waters of the Pacific together.