hoping to attract some of Bermuda's top sailors to this annual event.

A four-race series is tentatively scheduled for September 12 in the Great Sound, just off from the West End Sailboat Club (WESC), and having the leaders in the various classes -- Tornados, IOD, Luders, etc., -- competing against one another in the two-man Comet craft for the Canute Lambert Memorial Trophy.

Fifteen to 20 skippers are expected to take part, with the likes of Peter Bromby -- champion in 1990 -- Paula Lewin, Malcolm Smith and Glen Astwood among the list of big-name attractions.

The event is the brainchild Raymond Lambert and Jamie Harvey, who also have another partnership going in the form of Windjammer Enterprises, a boat-building and repair business the pair operate in Dockyard.

Last year saw them venture into the international arena, playing major roles in the success of the 1992 Comet International Championship.

American Mark Hess is the reigning champion -- he also won the International -- however it appears unlikely that he will be back to defend.

"Fun'' is the operative word surrounding the race, but spectators can expect a serious battle once the starter's gun blasts.

"It's a fun atmosphere, but you're dealing with competitive individuals and what happens on the race course is serious business,'' said Lambert, a nephew of the late Canute Lambert, who was a pioneer in bringing the sport increased prominence during the 1960s. "This is one of the few events where you get top local talent competing on an even playing field.'' Lambert stressed the efforts put forth by the other two Comet clubs, namely the East End Mini Yacht Club and Mid Atlantic Boat and Sports Club, along with WESC.

He also appealed to the public to come out and enjoy the event whether it be on land or by sea.

Said Lambert: "The continued success is due a combined effort and although hosted by the West End Sailboat Club it is in effect put on by all three clubs.

"One of the main objectives is to make sailing more of a spectator sport and to this end we will set up the course so that people can come to the club, sit off and eat and watch the race and be able to make out what's going on.'' COMET VETERAN -- Rudy Bailey, left, with former crew Cal Lynch.

JAMMIN' PARTNERSHIP -- Jamie Harvey, left, and Raymond Lambert, who thought up the Comet Invitational.

LONG DISTANCE CHAMPIONS -- Stevie Dickinson, left, and Scott Fox.