generosity after the New Zealander wrapped up a fifth success in the 50th Bermuda Gold Cup yesterday.

Coutts spotted Timothy, seven, wearing a Team Magic cap during the post-tournament press conference and spontaneously took off the matching jacket he had been sailing in and handed it to the surprised Saltus junior school student.

As he did so, the 1995 America's Cup winner, celebrating a 3-1 success over Team New Zealand team-mate Murray Jones in yesterday's final, said: "Bermuda has given us such a good time over the years we'd just like to give something back.'' The bright yellow jacket somewhat dwarfed a grateful Timothy, but Coutts joked: "It'll look good once you get a bit bigger.'' Coutts was later presented with the huge Gold Cup trophy -- and the $17,000 winner's cheque -- by Premier Pam Gordon.

The Premier, taking a brief respite from the General Election campaign trail also joined in the fun with an unusual request for the top sailor.

She said: "I think with all the success you've been having with your tacking this week, I need you to come and have a talk with me.''