The two Bermuda boats crossed the line yesterday after completing the 635 mile journey in completely different circumstances.

Former Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Commodore Les Crane's a new boat with air-conditioning and showers aboard brought the crew aboard clean, fresh and very happy.

While Colin Couper's with Governor Sir John Vereker aboard ? suffered alternator trouble and has been devoid of power since day two of the race ? although that didn't dim the enthusiasm of the crew.

The 12 crew arrived unshaven, somewhat smelly and telling tales of coping with the pitch darkness, as below deck there was not enough power to warrant using lights ? saving what energy there was for navigation lights, although only when other boats were near, and the lap-tops for weather and navigation purposes.

Although crew travelled in the lap of luxury, it wasn't all plain sailing.Twice Crane's Farr 56 hit flat spots and found themselves just going around in circles on both occasions.

"These things happen in these races," said Crane, who reluctantly informed that he won't be taking part in the 2006 race as the boat will be in Europe.

"But it was a lovely crossing, very calm, very enjoyable ? a very nice ride. There was a lot of light wind which slowed us down as we are quite a big boat but it was very comfortable and very safe."a Swan 46,suffered the loss of power due to the alternator, which meant conditions weren't quite as calm. But she arrived at 8 a.m. yesterday to claim second place on corrected time among the Bermudian boats, behind Rob Mulderig's , the first local boat home, but five hours ahead of .

She finished seventh in her class and 39th in the fleet at the time of going to Press.

All but 30 boats had arrived back at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club by mid-afternoon yesterday with the destination of many of the 80 trophies on offer now known.