Hairstylist Edwin Armstrong is on cloud nine after his pleasure craft Berth Control waslisted among the top five winners of Boating magazine's annual boat name contest.

He said he had no idea his 27-foot Tiara Slickcraft Continental boat had been entered into the competition by John Pitcher, from St. David's.

But Mr. Armstrong, who lives on Harrington Sound in Smith's Parish, said when he found out his boat had been recognised for its quirky name, he was as pleased as punch.

"Mr. Pitcher apparently took a picture of the boat and submitted it on my behalf, and then he told me it was one of the top five names; I couldn't believe it," said an elated Mr. Armstrong.

"Berth Control was a name that came from the top of my head. Berth was obviously from the berth of the boat, and I chose control because I like to have control of the boat.

"It was one of two names that I thought of; the other was `Pier Pressure', but in the end, I opted for Berth Control.

"It always gets lots of comments from people where ever we go, but my wife has never liked the name.

"Needless to say, I'm very proud and chuffed to have been among the top five. I have to thank Mr. Pitcher for taking the time out to do that."

The four other winners cited in the January issue of Boating were Restless Sole, from Florida, Current Address, from Ohio, Cuddy Shack, from Virginia, and Worth the Wake, from New Jersey.

To enter the 2003 contest, people should send colour photographs or high resolution scans along with their name, address and daytime telephone number to: Best Boat Names, Boating, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019; or to rocktheboathfmus.com; or fax details to 1-212-767-4830.