this year's Newport-Bermuda Race.

Anthoni Lightbourne and Jaimie Billings, both 17, were aboard Starr Trail in a continuation of the youth sailing apprenticeship programme first launched in 1996 with Nirvana .

They were joined by another 17-year-old, Kaitlin Mulderig, daughter of Starr Trial owner/captain Robert Mulderig, in the 635-mile trans-Atlantic crossing that began on June 19.

Two years ago, six Bermudians and six Americans got their first taste of competition when they joined the crew of Nirvana , the 81-foot maxi which held the 14-year record for the fastest elapsed time in the big race.

That initiative proved "extremely beneficial,'' said Brian Billings, who was commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club when the idea was hatched.

Ironically, one of the Nirvana crew, Steven King, enjoyed the experience so much that he's now a regular with Starr Trail and has loggged some 5,000 miles on Mulderig's 72-foot Farr in the past year.

"Here's an example of a young Bermudian who had never gone to sea, found out he loved it, and has since got a chance to see the world, meet different people and experience a real adventure,'' said Bilings.

Billings approached Mulderig last year seeking a similar arrangement for the 1998 race and quickly got the okay. Mulderig is "very supportive'' of introducing young Bermudians to not only sailing but the "team-building spirit'' it provides, said Billings.

Starr Trail was the only boat among the 161-strong fleet taking part in the novice programme.

Lightbourne, who has experience sailing on a tall ship in the North Sea two years ago, was chosen on the recommendation of his Bermuda Sea Cadet commanders. Jaimie Billings just missed out being one of the six picked two years ago and his father, who was among Starr Traili's 16-member crew, said he wanted to make sure the youngster didn't get overlooked twice.

The criteria: "Youngsters who are interested in the sea and who normally wouldn't get an opportunity to get involved in a race of this level and prestige,'' said Brian Billings, who also sailed with Nirvana in 1996.

Lightbourne and Jaime Billings were interviewed by the boat's captain. Said Phil Wilson, this year handling Starr Trail's ground preparations, "They look like pretty strong lads and we're happy with who (the RBYC) chose.'' ROBERT MULDERIG