Some might regard Bermuda's tourism industry as a sinking ship but after a life on the ocean waves, Steven (Cooky) Brown is charting new waters in the boat tour market.

He said he is investing "a small fortune'' in a multi-purpose tour boat which features a glass bottom for reef watchers which can be covered for parties and conventions.

And he said bookings are flooding in for the June launch when he will be offering combined land and sea tours.

For an all-inclusive $35 fee, customers will get a guided tour of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, a visit to the reefs off the West End and then a guided tour of the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo before being dropped off in Hamilton.

And couples will literally be seeing stars on the romantic night cruises around the reefs.

The two-and-a-half hour tours will feature a guide to the constellations on clear nights while down below the coral will be illuminated by powerful light bulbs.

When the MV Destiny sails across the Atlantic to be delivered in Bermuda it will be a dream come true for Mr. Brown.

He said: "I have been working on the water for just about every tour boat around here. I always had the idea that some day I would have my own tour boat.'' Mr. Brown sketched out plans for the boat four or five years ago but work began in earnest in October.

Florida boat company Bay Boat Yard Inc. is constructing the 78-foot vessel which Mr. Brown said will feature the largest fibre-glass hull ever constructed with just one mould.

Company president Johnny Morris said: "You can use this boat for just about anything -- snorkelling, parties, dinner parties.

"Mr. Brown took an active role in designing it. It's a very sleek boat.'' The craft is attracting the interest of boating magazines in America, said Mr.

Brown, and it will be built to US coast guard standards which means it could operate in America.

But it is the Bermuda market that interests Mr. Brown who most recently skippered the Longtail before setting up Destiny Tours.

He admitted: "It's a big investment and a huge risk given the state of the tourist environment.'' "My idea is to bring in new ideas and products into an ailing market. I have been doing this 26 years and I plan to stick it out.

"My team have been working 12-13 hour days since October to get things together for the tourist season.

"People are seeing the same old, same old. But hotels are showing interest in group bookings. It looks like we have our finger on the pulse.'' Capt. Steven (Cooky) Brown