True to their sport, Peter Bromby and Paula Lewin last night sailed away with the Island's top sports accolades for 2002.

The two were named Male Athlete of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year respectively at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess as the annual sporting spectacle came to a crescendo. It was Bromby's third capture of the coveted prize while his female counterpart savoured the spotlight for the fourth time.

This double dose of excellence also put sailing in the limelight as it's this pursuit in which the two have exhibited consistent prowess, earning fame for their country in international competitions at home and abroad. It was also the first time that one sport captured the two top spots.

"I feel great. It's a wonderful recognition but I want to point out that this has been very much a team effort. The first thing I'd like to do is recognise my crew and our achievements for the year.

"It's a nice reminder of what we achieved because 2002 was a good year for us. Going forward - when competitions don't go so well - it's a good way to remember what we have done and what our potential is," said Lewin, speaking from California, USA, where she is currently training.

Appropriately, the 31-year-old was represented by her crew at the ceremony - twin sister Peta and Carola Cooper - and they were equally thrilled.

"We're so pleased to be recognised. It's fabulous that Paula won. We worked really hard in 2002 to gel our team and our results show we've succeeded. Paula is a great skipper. She is the backbone of the team and she keeps us focused," said Peta, cradling her sister's trophy.

Bromby, 38, who presented some of the evening's earlier awards, was especially proud to be hailed as the best of Bermuda's male athletes, noting that being recognised in one's own country is a great achievement.

Last year was indeed a big one for these competitors who are both sponsored by ACE, with both qualifying for next summer's Olympics amid a string of impressive achievements.

Star Class competitor, Bromby, was second in the Rolex Miami Olympic Regatta, second in the International Star Class Regatta, third in the Bacardi Cup, sixth in the Star World Championships and eighth in the European Spring Championships. He finished 2002 by winning the Bermuda Match Racing Championship in the International One Designs (IOD) and followed up with third place in the Bermuda Gold Cup, being the first Bermudian to reach the Gold Cup semi-finals.

No less outstanding, Lewin placed fourth in the Yngling World Championships in Switzerland and eighth in the Olympic Test in Greece before returning home for her finest hour. The lone Bermudian in the fleet ensured the inaugural Bermuda International Women's Match Racing Championships remained here, wresting the title from a strong fleet including the world's top-ranked women's match racer. She then placed sixth in the Bermuda Gold Cup.

Albert Steede and Dwight (Payback) Warren also figured prominently in last night's proceedings, taking home the inaugural Minister's Awards for Bermuda's national sports - cricket and football respectively.

In Steede's case, this was the climax of a season in which he led Somerset's defence of the championship in the centenary Cup Match and skippered Western Stars to four trophies, including the Premier League title.

"I am quite honoured to be the first recipient of such a prestigious award. All thanks go to my family, particularly my wife, for supporting me through all these years and also to my team-mates. A captain is only as good as his team so I acknowledge them and appreciate their efforts," said the 34-year-old batsman.

Warren, like Steede was surprised to be chosen by Horton, noting there were many talented footballers in Bermuda.

"It's fantastic. I am delighted. It means a lot to receive this from the minister. It's a lot of hard work and time away from my family but this is inspiration to go on a few more years as long as I keep my body in good condition," said the 34-year-old who plays for North Village and has previously represented Boulevard Blazers and the national team.