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Junior sailors launched their Optimists dinghies into Store Bay yesterday under cloudy skies and light winds blowing from five to eight knots. Rolling clouds throughout the morning made for shifts that zigzagged out of opposite compass settings as chaotically as the twists and turns on Tobago roadways.

Race one got off without a hitch, yet 17 sailors were black flagged at the start of the second race. Winds built to 15-18 knots before a squall that hit about 1400 hours local tome during the third race. Then, the winds died and the race committee was unable to get off a fourth race for the day.

After this second day of racing, ZIMMERMANN has kept his overall fleet lead. The Peruvian comes to this event full of confidence having placed second at the 2005 Optimist South American Championships in March.

Trinidad's Matthew SCOTT finished first in his 91 boat division in the second race of the day. In the day's last race, Puerto Rico's Ivan APONTE scored a second place in his division of 92 boats, whilst Christiane DASH from Barbados placed ninth in her 92 boat division. DASH is one of four girls representing Barbados. 'We've had more boys, but they've aged and grown out,' said Dale DOUGLAS, whose daughter Sarah is competing. 'Now it's the girl's turn.' Curacao's Philipine VAN AANHOLT and Ard VAN AANHOLT placed eleventh and twelfth out of 92 in their division.

Jamal OLLIVIERRE from Bequia is one of four sailors representing his country for the first time in a junior sailing event of this calibre. 'We usually sail with eight Optimists. This is a much bigger event. It's new for us,' said OLLIVIERRE. 'It's hard, but it's fun out there.'

Team racing takes place today. Teams will represent Peru, Bermuda, the USA and Trinidad and Tobago.

Fleet racing resumes on Friday after a lay day tomorrow.