he and a three-member crew today leave for Holland and competition at the Nations Cup finals, which gets underway next week.

Already carrying the mantle of International One Design world champion, Bromby said that he was definitely "going there to win the regatta''.

"I have a very capable crew. We've been doing a lot of practise on our crew work and feel we're sailing the boat better than in Savanna, (Georgia),'' he added. "Before we were hurt a bit from a lack of time together with the boat and just needed a little more work together.'' The trip to the finals will be a first for Bromby, who has the trio of Lee White, Dennis Correia and Christine Campbell as crew.

All were part of a successful run in the qualifying stage, sailing in the J24 model boat which Bromby admitted was not his "favourite'' craft, but nevertheless helped Bermuda to second place behind the British Virgin Islands led by his arch-nemesis, Peter Holmberg.

However, the scope is much larger this time around as all continents will be represented, making it a truly international affair.

"There will be a wide-ranging group (of participants),'' said Bromby, who celebrated his 29th birthday yesterday. "They're all dangerous and I can't be worried about Holmberg or anyone in particular...there are so many unknown quantities.

"You have entries from places like Peru and Fiji, who I've never raced against, as well as those from Australia and New Zealand, countries which are known to produce good sailors.'' Bromby anticipates fluctuating conditions in the west European coastal nation with regards both to wind and temperature, though he added that neither should have much effect on himself nor his crew.

"My knowledge of Holland is that there may be little wind or it could be blowing 40 miles per hour.

"It could be very cold or reasonably warm. Coming from Bermuda we would like it on the warm side, but if it isn't it just means carrying a little more equipment.'' Participating in such an intense regatta involving match racing also gives Bromby added practice in anticipation of the Bank of Bermuda and Omega Gold Cups in October -- entrance in the latter depends on success the former.

But Bromby was taking no chances and remained focussed solely on the current task.

BIRTHDAY BOY -- Peter Bromby leaves for Holland and the Nations Cup today with his three-man crew.