challenge at the Bacardi Cup Regatta.

The Bermudian faces one of the best fields ever assembled in the history of the event for Star Class boats, with several big names due to line-up in the Bay of Biscayne.

Past Omega Gold Cup competitors Paul Cayard, John Kostecki and Ross McDonald along with current world champion Joe Londrigan and Olympic gold medallist Mark Reynolds are all due to compete.

Bromby and crew Lee White had spent the past four days making final preparations and adjustments to their craft to ensure maximum performance and were looking to improve on last year's 12th place finish.

"We just hope to do well here and get some points, to help with our qualifying for the Olympics,'' said Bromby, whose best placing has been seventh back in 1992 when he had Paul Fisher as crew.

"`I think we just have to sail solid every race, get off the line well and keep up boat speed.

"We're looking for improved boat straight-line speed. We found at the previous Can-Am Regatta that we were sailing around the corners well, but the straight-line speed was letting us down.

"And you have a hard time winning any regatta running slow.'' The Bacardi Cup runs from Sunday to Thursday, having six races, five to count.