The 2026 Optimist North American Championship is well underway in Nova Scotia, Canada, with a nine-strong youth contingent from Bermuda pushing the tactical limits against the region’s elite.
Monday’s high-stakes team racing provided the definitive highlight for the young islanders at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. Bermuda Team One — comprising Jesse Savage, Heath Meyers, Rex Henagulph, Miguel Leite, and Alfie Jansma — produced a sensational run of form, defeating powerhouse squads from Canada, the United States, and Puerto Rico, before finally bowing out to Canada Number One. Bermuda Team Two also fought tenaciously before falling to sharp maneuvers from USA Three and Mexico Three.
In the individual fleet standings after seven grueling races, Heath Meyers has established himself as the island’s standard-bearer. Meyers sits in a commendable 21st place overall with 90 net points, anchored by a brilliant third-place finish in race three.
Jesse Savage leads the chasing local pack in 54th, with Rex Henagulph sitting 68th. Elaine Jones holds her ground as the top Bermudian female performer in 71st, just one slot ahead of Miguel Leite in 72nd. Rounding out the fleet ahead of the championship split are Calypso Coulter in 102nd, Walker Smith in 106th, Alfie Jansma in 136th, and Ishmael Dill in 141st.
