Newport-Bermuda Race.

Monterey , Les Crane's Stevens 47, not only has a Bermuda registry, it's also the only one to have paid duty and to reside on the Island permanently.

When Crane emigrated to Bermuda to 1992, he brought Monterey with him, sailing her across as part of that year's race. He didn't think twice about paying Government's then 55 per cent duty.

The levy has since been reduced to 33 per cent -- still a hefty chunk and a big reason why more Bermuda boats don't take part, he says.

"I paid the taxes because it was part of moving there,'' he said. "But the thought of paying them just stops people (from bringing in newer, more competitive boats).'' Bermuda sailors are also at a disadvantage because a big boat necessary for speedy passage of the Atlantic is a disadvantage on a tiny, reef-strewn Island. As Crane says, "You don't need to sleep six to go to St. George's for a weekend.'' That's why Bermudians who own bigger boats, such as Robert Mulderig, keep them off the Island. However, Steven Vestbirk, who sailed his Defiant to Bermuda for the first time during the race, is planning on keeping the 40-footer here.

And in order to take part in the Newport Race, Island sailors must cross the Atlantic twice. "It's a lot longer race if you're from Bermuda,'' said Crane.

"And you don't want to send (the boat) across with a stranger.'' Monterey was built in 1985 and at 37,000 pounds is nearly three times as heavy as some modern boats similar in size. Below decks, her furnishings are solid wood and her thick mast is not designed for racing.

"When you're at sea, a heavier boat is a much nicer boat to be on,'' said Crane.

Given that he doesn't expect to win, what keeps him going? The joy of sailing, he says.

"It's fun to do it,'' said Crane. "Everybody can't win. It's an adventure and it's always been an adventure. I picked the crew because they're people I want to be with.

"We're in the race to enjoy it. We take it seriously to the extent that if we can do something better we'll do it but we're not going to go overboard on it.

"Most people on the course want to do well and they want to win but they're there basically because they want to be there.'' Among Crane's crew is his son, Court, and his daughter, Nicola. He's also joined by Canadian friends Jock Macrae and Stuart Macrae plus six other Bermudians: Duncan Headley-Coates (first mate), David Lamb, Dawson Hodgson, Tara Leonard, Warren McHarg and Vernor Stegman.

They arrived Thursday morning, with an elapsed time of 134:50:36.

BACK AGAIN -- Les Crane and Monterey , seen here in 1996, took part in their fourth straight Newport Race.