that's not hampering 39-year-old Bryan Roach from establishing himself as an outstanding racer in the hobby at an international level.

Recently at the 17th annual International Model Power Boat Association's Winter Nationals in Orlando, Florida the Bermudian placed first in the F Hydro Group, brushing aside spirited competition from 21 other participants.

The F Hydros are the biggest and fastest boats which reach speeds from 60 to 90 miles per hour.

With this recognition as a top international performer, Mr. Roach is now aiming for bigger stakes like the Internet Race in July which will establish who is top ranked in the United States.

Mr. Roach is excited about his recent triumph, claiming that he was optimistic that he would soon prove that he could compete with the best in the Florida area in just his sixth appearance.

"I knew this would be my year. I knew that I was capable of raising my standard and pull this off after finishing second in the F Hydro Group a year ago,'' said Mr. Roach.

Pulling off this feat was indeed a great accomplishment for somebody like Mr.

Roach coming from a small island which only has about 10 people competing yearly on a rather limited basis.

According to Mr. Roach there is normally about two events yearly in Bermuda, but serious attempts are underway to have at least two additional races added to the schedule this year. All races take place at Stock's Harbour in St.

David's, just north of the former Kindley Air Force Base gate.

"We have a small club here, but we are looking forward to growing in numbers.

We are looking towards having about four races,'' he said.

Now that he has made this major achievement Mr. Roach has no intention of quitting just yet, not in the foreseeable future.

"I just love model racing, as of now I think that I would probably do it for the rest of my life. I went away and watched my first international race in Florida about six years ago and from that time I knew that I was capable of competing at that level,'' he said.

"As far as I was concerned the level of competition back then wasn't much higher than mine and a few of us here when you looked at driving skills. I knew that once I upgraded my equipment I would be okay.'' While he doesn't know what lies ahead for model racing in Bermuda, Mr. Roach's mission is still to aim to reach greater heights abroad whenever he can compete.

"Florida is the big place for racing, but races are held over the world. They are in places like Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, but I will probably stick to competing in the United States, in areas like Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.

"As long as I continue to get the support from my wife and son, I intend to compete whenever I can. It's not only an exciting sport but an enjoyable hobby for me,'' said Mr. Roach who took four boats to Florida and finished with a win and two fifth with the others and one did not finish because of engine problems.

A WINNER -- A happy Bryan Roach proudly poses with his trophy and boat after his triumph in Florida.