himself as one of Bermuda's representatives in the prestigious Omega Gold Cup later this month (October 18-25) with yet another virtuoso performance in winning the inaugural Bank of Bermuda Cup contested in Hamilton Harbour.

Also earning the right to represent the Island at the said regatta expected to attract many of the world's top match race sailors was Martin Siese, who won a three-way tie-breaker from Blythe Walker and Adam Barboza after they all finished on four points.

This was following a failed protest by Walker against Bromby concerning a discrepancy in the position of the windward mark was turned down by the race committee.

But once again the day belonged to Bromby as countless hours of practice he and his crew of Lee White, Penny Simmons and Dennis Correia definitely paid off as they kept a clean slate, sweeping through the field for seven consecutive victories.

"Our goal is to win every race we enter,'' said Bromby, who narrowly missed finishing in the money of the Omega Gold Cup two years ago. "The key today was that the guys worked hard during the week in practice and it showed in our performance. We were head and shoulders ahead of everyone else.

"The other guys maybe didn't put enough effort heading into this regatta as they should and consequently paid the price for it today.'' Often the races were virtually decided at the starting line and no one was better at getting the early jump than the world champion. And once given an advantage he seized on it, leaving the competition in his wake.

However, Bromby said that he still has much to do to ensure success in the Gold Cup.

"We still have a lot of work to do and a few things to tidy up. And going into the Gold Cup with the added improvement and another few weeks of practice we'll have a chance.

"I think our chances are good, we just need some more practice. Certainly every time we go around the course we're getting better. Our crew work is improving all the time.

"Obviously those guys are professionals and doing it all the time gives them an advantage. A lot of the Olympic races that I've done I've raced against a lot of the same guys or at least those of the same calibre and whereas maybe before I was intimidated by the big names they're not so big now.

"However, you certainly can't take away the fact that they match race all the time and that certainly puts us at a disadvantage.'' While Bromby moved through the event unabated, Siese battled all the way and found himself in a must-win situation for the final race. And he responded by dashing away the challenge of Paul Fisher, who was also in position to qualify.

Siese's record in the seven-race series was a chequered one as he followed victories with losses throughout the day. He started off by beating Scott Simmons and also recorded victories over, Jordy Walker, Barboza and Fisher.

Sprinkled in between were defeats at the hands of Blythe Walker, Hughie Watlington and Bromby, of course.

The current IOD class president is seen as a rising star in the sport and will contest his first Omega Gold Cup as a skipper.

Rounding out the field were Fisher and Watlington (both three points), Scott Simmons (two) and veteran campaigner Jordy Walker (one).

Bromby, set to marry in a few days, praised the Bank of Bermuda for stepping in and offering sponsorship, saying that he would not have been able to afford to enter otherwise.

"Certainly it's nice to go into the Gold Cup with the entry paid. It makes me look forward to doing the Gold Cup.'' PETER BROMBY -- Unbeaten in seven match races.