coming week as sailors from several points on the globe vie for the title of champion during International Race Week being hosted next week by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Stirring much interest is the reintroduction of the Modern International 14 class that will carry six boats, but should not lack for eye-popping excitement, especially if Mother Nature co-operates with nice, stiff breezes.

Nearly 30 years have passed since these noble craft last raced competitively on the Island's waterways and much has changed in terms of their design and on-water performance.

Modern technology - the advent of stronger, lightweight materials -- have played a major role in what is termed as a developmental class.

"They've (official world governing body) allowed people to design and do things differently in a controlled rate,'' said Bermuda class representative Ted Wood yesterday.

"They are very different technologically than they were 30 years ago. The only things that are the same are that they are still 14 feet long and have two crew members.

"They have evolved into a very high-performance racing vessel and are on the cutting edge of sailing technology.'' All have trapezes, possess a larger sail area than the originals and have spinnakers, while many also utilise carbon fibre masts, which are lighter and stronger.

The six boats have been imported from overseas, with three from Canada and a similar number coming from the United States. They will participate in a seven-race series -- six of which will count -- starting on Tuesday.

Included in the fleet as skippers are Canadians Jay Cross, James Kidd and Peter Hayward along with Roger Smith and Eric Snavely of the US and Briton Louis Phillips.

However, Wood noted that the emphasis will be on enjoyment rather than on fierce competition.

The rebirth of the class locally coincides with the 150th anniversary of the yacht club and will have competitors racing for the rights to the Princess Elizabeth Cup.

Instrumental in bringing the class back along with Wood were veteran yachtsman Jordy Walker and Canada's Andrew Yates. Wood anticipates an increased field for next year.

Planned today, tomorrow and Monday for the 14s is a demonstration run just off Albouy's Point to give spectators a preview of what to expect.

TIM PATTON -- `There's no telling what to expect...'