After wading through spring, summer and now fall under windblown sails, Bromby and partner Lee White are about to change tack during the winter in an effort to boost the coffers for their 1996 Olympic bid.

However, their latest venture has little to do with windward or leeward. There are no halyards to repair or sails to set, instead the focus is upon Christmas.

Bromby and White are continuing with a Christmas tree special order sales venture to fund their Star Class Olympic campaign.

"It's something we've been doing for the last five years, but we've only begun to enjoy real success by using the pre-order system the last two years,'' said Bromby.

All profits go to a campaign fund which Bromby said provides up to 25 percent of the amount needed for the pair to adequately prepare for their sport, which requires frequent travel abroad to regattas mainly in Europe and the United States.

An average year costs Bromby and White upward of $50,000 and they have only been able to continue their Olympic quest with the tree sales and additional sponsorship from the likes of Shell Company and Bermuda Paint Company.

As for the pair's progress towards the goal of medalling at next year's summer spectacular Bromby noted they were on target as far as preparation was concerned.

"We're on course and if you look at where we've come in the last couple of years it's a long way and we are where we would want to be at this time,'' said Bromby, who will later this month set off for Annapolis, Maryland to participate at the North American Championships.

"We've constantly -- if not winning -- been in the top 10 at events, and we're talking about world class events, not any Mickey Mouse regattas.'' Indeed, the increased overseas activity has aided greatly, with the most recent evidence being Bromby's 10th place finish at the World Championships in Laredo, Spain. Additional results saw him win the Can Am Championships in Florida and place second at the Bacardi Cup and European Spring Championships in 1994.

When the list of medal favourites go up Bromby is sure to be listed prominently and he vowed to be ready for the challenge.

"It (medalling) is very realistic and will depend on who has a good regatta on the day,'' he said. "A lot will also depend on how we prepare in the next 10 months.'' Bromby soon expects his Star boat on the Island and as of January he and White will commence full-time preparation, sailing five hours a day, while spending a further three hours in the gym.

Peter Bromby