Sebastian Kempe and Leyli Walker secured podium finishes to cap an outstanding display by Bermuda’s sailors at the Canadian Optimist Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the weekend.

Competing in the fleet racing event among 129 entries, Kempe finished third while Walker was third among the girls and 18th overall.

Also managing a top-ten finish was Christian Ebbin who placed seventh.

Kempe topped the leaderboard going into the final race of the series on Halifax harbour, but fell short of a maiden fleet racing title as a 34th place finish allowed nearest rivals Jack Gogan and Noah Adier to leapfrog him in the standings.

Gogan won the title by a nine-point margin over fellow Canadian Adier with Kempe a further eight points back in third.

“My regatta was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs,” Kempe said.

The 12-year-old Saltus student had led since the first day of racing and seemed well on course for glory.

“It was an unfortunate end but a lot to be taken back and learnt from,” Kempe added.

Walker was delighted to achieve her goal of earning a place on the podium.

“My personal goal was to be in the top three girls and I was fourth going into the last day and managed to improve and finish third girl,” she said.

“The Canadian Nationals was a great regatta.

“It was nice to sail in challenging conditions and against some great sailors. I made lots of new friends and I’m thankful to all my coaches who led me here.”

In all, Bermuda was represented by an eight-member team comprised of Royal Bermuda Yacht Club youth sailors who all qualified for the gold fleet, which is an impressive feat within itself.

Genevieve Lau was the island’s next highest finisher and 21st overall, followed by Rachael Betschart in 36th, Laura Hupman in 48th, Millie Lewis in 62nd and Skye Oliveira in 65th.

Bermuda also thrived in the team racing event with the team of Kempe, Betschart, Lewis, Hupman and Walker winning the silver medal after losing to hosts Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron’s A team in the best-of-three final sail-off. Bay of Quinte Yacht Club finished third.

Accompanying Bermuda’s team was coach and Bermuda Red Bull Youth America’s Cup sailor Owen Siese.