Peter Bromby will be "sleeping with the enemy" this weekend and in his continued build-up to next year's Olympics.

However, Bermuda's leading sailor has assured there is more to gain than lose in his collaboration with the Australian Star Class team of Ian Murray and Andrew Paulfrey with whom he has joined forces to split expenses and share ideas.

In Bromby's estimation it's more important that skipper Murray - who was part of Kookaburra III's America's Cup defence in 1987 - is a seasoned sailor and is currently ranked number two among Australian Star Class competitors than the distinct prospect that the Murray/Paulfrey combination could be among his opposition in Athens next summer.

"They haven't qualified yet (for the Olympics) but they are potentially (opposition)," disclosed the 38-year-old, adding that he has spent "quite a bit of time with" the Aussies.

"We share coaches and coaching expenses . . . It's good for both of us really. Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and we talk about a lot of different things. It's a great opportunity to bounce different ideas off each other."

Both sides will get ample chance to observe each other in operation this weekend as Paulfrey crews for Bromby in the US Olympic Pre-Trials in Miami, Florida.

"I am sure Andrew will be interested to see how we do things on board our boat and likewise I'll be looking to pick up helpful hints from how they do things on their boat," said Bromby.

Asked if the Australians qualified for the Olympics whether he would continue liasing with them, Bromby replied: "It's not a bad idea to be quite honest. It's not unheard of (that opposing teams train together).

"You guard some things close to your chest but at the same time there are things which are mutually beneficial to both teams. What it will come down to is a fight when we get to the Olympics. So we try and learn from one another without giving too much away."

Bermuda's Male Athlete of the Year for 2002 must also be wary of many other prying eyes this weekend.

"It's a mock regatta for the US Olympic team which they have opened up to the rest of the world. I am sure their thinking is that 'We'll take our coaches down there and invite everybody and have a look at them'."

Given such an atmosphere, he has resolved to use the Pre-Trials as no more than a training exercise.

"We'll be cautiously guarding what we're doing right and, at the same time, testing some new stuff. For me this will be very much a test event," he explained, adding that he will be trying some new sails.