Roland Lines is planning to repeat the journey -- this time in a kayak.

And if successful, his marathon trip could raise thousands of dollars for the Bermuda Aquarium.

Cup Match Thursday, weather permitting, will see Mr. Lines set off at 6 a.m.

from Flatts Inlet from where he will paddle non-stop for 12-14 hours in a direction selected on the day according to the winds.

The Department of Works and Engineering will make an exact measurement, but Mr. Lines estimates the distance to be about 40 miles, which he admits is "definitely going to be a challenge''.

Back in 1969 Mr. Lines rowed around the Island in a boat. Now he wants to do it again to raise much-needed cash for a marine turtle tank at the Aquarium.

He said this week he was hopeful of raising anything from between $1,000 and $5,000.

"So many people tend to take the Bermuda Aquarium for granted as one of our tourist and educational attractions that has been there as long as we can remember,'' said the Bank of Bermuda executive.

"But we must not lose sight of the fact that it takes dedicated efforts and funds to keep such a valuable facility going.'' Mr. Lines' course will take him across the Great Sound, around Ireland Island, around Daniel's Head, past Wreck Hill, down the South Shore, inside Gurnet Rock, around Cooper's Island, St. David's Head, and then on to Flatts again.

Depending on the wind he may take his kayak in the opposite direction.

A former top road runner and cyclist, and still a keen table tennis player, Mr. Lines has always been interested in boating -- "like all Bermudians.'' Seven of his eight boats are kayaks.

Training for the event has included a 23-mile paddle from Mr. Lines' home in Fairylands earlier this month. After crossing the Great Sound and passing under Somerset Bridge, he went through Ely's Harbour and down the South Shore, reaching Castle Harbour in just under six hours.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Mr. Lines can call Sarah Fransen at 293-4464 or 293-2727.

PRACTISING -- Mr. Roland Lines gets ready for his around Island trip.