If Peter Bromby wanted to continue, then he would need to find another crew.

Growing business commitments and a growing family -- he now has three children -- convinced White, who celebrated his 43rd birthday last Thursday, that he could no longer divide his time between work, home and sport.

Yet here he is in Sydney more eager than ever to add to an already impressive collection of sporting trophies.

National triathlon champion for three years between 1981 and 1983, national powerboat champion between 1983 and 1992, and a member of the IOD world championship winning crew in '90, '91 and '92, White laughs when reminded of his promise back in 1996.

"I guess we're all allowed to change our minds,'' he smiles.

"I was serious at the time. After the Atlanta Olympics it was decided the Star class would be scrapped. So it made it easy to make that decision.

"But 18 months later, after a lot of infighting among all the Star class, it was reinstated. So I had a problem. Peter approached me and asked if I'd give it a go. I thought about it, obviously I had to consult my wife, and she agreed and here we are.'' However, White agrees their build-up has been less intensive than in '96, less time-consuming and far more low key.

"Peter's business is busy these days, I have a lot more responsibility workwise as well as family wise. So we decided that on an abbreviated schedule any events we did would be the toughest events we could find,'' added White.

"Basically, we're amateurs sailing against pros. I'd say bar only one other team, the guys here sail full time.

"All they do in between races is practice and improve their skills. That's what we're up against and we realised that when we decided to race.

"But that doesn't mean we won't be trying our best. We know we can beat a lot of these guys.

And win or lose will Sydney be White's swansong? "I better be careful what I say,'' he laughs. "I said that once before and look what happened. Let's say I'll reserve judgement.'' SAILING SLG