by Bertrand Pace, in their opening race in the Nations Cup Grand Final today in Holland.

They completed the first day with competition against Great Britain, British Virgin Islands, Sweden and Peru, all members of Group II, and then face the same teams tomorrow to finish the double round-robin segment of the event.

Bromby has the lowest world ranking in the group -- 60th -- one that contains the likes of the US Virgin Island's Peter Holmberg (18th), who defeated Bromby to win the recent qualifying tournament in Savanna, Georgia, as well as Pace, number 12 in the world.

Still the Bermudian was unperturbed and remained focussed on being ready for today's action that has five flights (races) scheduled.

"I think we're in a fair group,'' said Bromby, who has the familiar trio of Lee White, Dennis Correia and Christine Campbell as crew in the J24 boat being used.

"We'll just go out and do the best we can. Today we practiced and it was quite shifty ... cold and shifty.'' The regatta is being contested on a fresh water, man-made lake in the town of Hoorn, occupying Holland's eastern shore.

Bromby said that he had spent the past two days fine tuning "man and equipment'' in anticipation of a tough competition.

Last night all were at their hotel relaxing while reviewing video tapes of their practice outing and trying to "tidy up'' any faults.

"We have no real problems,'' said Bromby. "We're just getting used to the boats and working on our handling.'' The venture marks Bromby's first to the Nations Cup -- currently in its second year -- which utilizes a match racing format.

He will need to place among the top two during the round-robin phase in order to gain passage to the semifinals on Saturday. The final will be on Sunday.

Twelve countries are represented at the finals, with Group I containing six, in the form of Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the Netherlands. The latter is being led by Roy Heiner, a past participant in the Omega Gold Cup in Bermuda.

A six man local contingent depart the Island for the British Virgin Islands today to take part in the Sunfish World Championships, which commences on Friday.

Leading small boat sailor Malcolm Smith heads the group, accompanied by Mike Butterfield, David Frith, James Stewart, Mickey Berkeley and Damian Payne.