yet complete, its last act has been revealed.

The script started in the Great Sound with Bermuda's Peter Bromby sweeping to victory in the first race on Sunday and yesterday's storyline had him again perched on the throne as king of the world for the third time in succession.

Another Bermudian, Penny Simmons, won the sixth race by a healthy margin, however, it was Bromby and his crew of Mickey Cox, Malcolm Wilson, Lee White and Mick Finegan -- sixth on the day -- feasting most heartily at the end.

Savouring yet another title, Bromby said that this one was particularly gratifying and made up for his loss in 1987, the last time Bermuda played the role of host.

"It was revenge from six years ago,'' explained Bromby before being given a congratulatory dunking by his crew. "In 1987, we finished tied and for us it was revenge to make amends for the one we lost on a tie-breaker to Bill Widnall.

"That was the main reason we all came together in the first place -- the four of us, Lee came a bit later.

"We got together to win the worlds in '87, fell a bit short there, fell short the next three years and it wasn't until 1991 that we won in San Francisco ...

and to finish it up here at home is nice.'' Indeed it was a fitting send-off for the Sandys Boat Club quintet, who are due to break up and pursue other pleasures.

"Obviously it's sad in many ways, because this crew has been together for its third consecutive year,'' said White afterwards. "Particularly, Mick Finegan, Mickey Cox and Malcolm Wilson who have sailed together for Peter in excess of seven or eight years, much longer than I have.

"But we're all still elated to go out on a high note.'' Finegan said that it was his skipper's single-minded determination to win that pulled them through, but was at odds as to what the crew would do during their "retirement''.

"These guys are retiring now, but I'm not sure in six months' time we couldn't sit down and talk (about a comeback) ... and you never know what could happen.

"These guys are going to get bored. What are they going to do on a Saturday now ... mow grass or whatever?'' Bromby had on Wednesday singled out Cox for special mention as the man that really made the boat go, slaving down in the hole away from view.

A reluctant Cox said that he would not miss the "pit''. "Being down there is indeed the pits. I can't tell you anybody else who would like to be down in the hole. I'm the only one who would put up with it.'' Cox will not have to worry about being in that position today when the seventh and final race takes place, as Bromby does not plan, nor need, to compete having already won the title.

Returning to yesterday's action, strong winds wreaked havoc among the fleet in race six, causing numerous equipment failures.

Bromby had trouble with his halyard a quarter of the way through the first run to leeward, preventing the use of his spinnaker and drastically reducing boat speed.

Meanwhile, Widnall incurred a broken boom, but still placed third, Norway's Jan Petter Roed sailed well for second despite a troublesome back stay, and the third local entrant, Martin Siese, was forced to withdraw with mast damage.

There were also two premature starters, who were later disqualified. The overall results show Bromby on top with 11 points, trailed by Simmons (233 ), Widnall (273 ) and Jim Bishop (28), all of whom still have a shot at the runner-up spot.

THREE-PEATERS -- Peter Bromby, kneeling, and crew are pictured at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club yesterday after winning their third consecutive IOD World Championship. Standing, from left, are Mick Finegan, Malcolm Wilson, Lee White and Mickey Cox. The event wraps up today with second place still up for grabs.