USA were yesterday crowned Global Team I-14 champions after an international race jury ruled unanimously in their favour.

The jury were called in on Wednesday after USA and Canada had finished level at 1-1 in their final race series but were unable to complete a third race because of the lack of wind.

It was ultimately decided that USA should take the title because of their earlier defeat of Canada during the round robin phase of the competition.

Current world champion, American Kristopher Bundy, and his compatriots can now turn their attention towards the individual I-14 World Championships which begin in the Great Sound today.

"Our team was great, we just barely pulled it off in the tie-break," said a relieved Bundy after yesterday's practice session out in the Sound.

US team captain Ted Rogers was equally pleased with the jury's decision, stating that it was a relief to take the Team Race Trophy back to the US for the first time in 20 years.

"The weather was pretty variable but overall conditions were good for team racing and the race committee did a terrific job at keeping abreast of the changing conditions," said Rogers.

With winds of between 10 to 20 knots forecast for today, the international fleet were yesterday eagerly awaiting the starter's gun and the resumption of racing as all 55 entries will be gunning for Bundy's coveted crown.

Bundy, who has also sailed 18-foot skiffs in Australia, said that his vessel was in good shape and that he and crew Jamie Hanseler anticipated fierce competition.

"Our boat (Larry) is the same one that we sailed during the last championships. Everything remains unchanged for this campaign, even my crew (Hanseler) who I have been sailing with for the past 15 years," said Bundy.

Among those contending for the title are fellow American Zach Berkowtiz, the reigning US champion, Australian champion Jason Beebe and European title holder Zeb Elliott.

"There's an entire slew of talented Canadians and Britons also among the fleet. A challenge could come from any of about 15 teams," added the defending champion. "The conditions have been fantastic, if they can sail the Gold Cup here then it can definitely work for us. The race committee here are outstanding and the competition is fair and great."

Today's action, starting at 12.00 noon, will see boats competing around a 15-20 mile course in the Great Sound and spectators should be able to look forward to more spectacular racing from the `Formula Ones' of sailing if conditions remain favourable.

Les Crane, vice commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, said: "If we can get another day like yesterday, it would be fabulous. These are ideal conditions for the I-14s. Everything is moving along smoothly, the race committee did a tremendous job and everyone is co-operating."

The regatta continues with one race each day through to next Friday.