FIJI U19 hobie cat team is ready to defend their title but the side is wary of the threat posed by four strong New Caledonian sides.
The three-day Vodafone South Pacific Youth Championships starts today at the National Sailing centre in Suva Point.
The coach of the side Grahame Southwick said Fiji would be under immense pressure to perform to the standards.
"From what I have seen in the past two days of training, New Caledonia is a very powerful side." Southwick said.
He said equally up to the task were the three teams from Wallace who were eager to hit the waves.
"We have some experience in the side but nothing can be taken for granted during the championship," he said.
"Even though they (New Caledonia) have a young side, they are serious about the competition and they are very well trained."
He said the main purpose for organising this championship was to enhance the skills of Pacific islanders in sailing.
Southwick also said they were using this as a build-up for the Oceania Hobie Championships next month.
Teams from United States, Australia and Philippines are expected to take part in the international event in the first week of August.
The coach said the top three Fijian side would be selected to take part in the open meet.
Meanwhile, experienced Epeli Droma said they would need to concentrate on the race to defend their title.
"It will be a good race, the boys have learnt from their mistakes during the training run and we are ready to go," he said.
Meanwhile, the underdogs will give their best shot and have nothing to lose.
Wallace coach Kolo Seuvea said they were preparing for the Pacific Mini Games which they would host next year.
"Yes, we can win," Seuvea said.
"We came third last year but we will try to better our standing this year."