The lighthouse is every sailor's friend, a symbol that land is near and a friendly warning that jagged coastal rocks and reefs lie ahead.

So it is only appropriate that the overall winner of the Newport-Bermuda yacht race receives a trophy in the image of one the beloved structures.

The distinctive Lighthouse Trophy, which has been awarded to winners since 1956, is an esteemed prize in yachting.

It was created by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club as a replica of St. David's Lighthouse, which marks the finishing line. The main part of the trophy is made from silver, while the section which is painted red on the real building is represented by gold on the replica.

And there are a few of them around, as winners get to keep their magnificent prize.

Each trophy is made in England and paid for by Bermuda's Department of Tourism, who naturally cherish the race as it brings thousands of visitors to the Island every two years and an estimated $3-million extra income for the national economy.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club commodore Somers Cooper said: "When we need a new trophy, we order two at a time, so it's four years before we have to do it again. They cost between nine and 10 thousand dollars -- each. It's become one of the most coveted trophies in yachting.'' Race committee member and race historian George Bauer agreed.

"The reason the Lighthouse Trophy is so highly valued is people know what is needed to win it,'' said Bauer, who has taken part in 10 races himself.

"Not only is the race a challenge, but what is required to win is a high level of ability and confidence among the crew and a good level of equipment.

"I'm a boat inspector for the race and it's amazing to me what the owners have to go through to get their sailboats ready for the race.'' And he told a story which reflected the pride a Lighthouse Trophy winner could feel.

"I know of one skipper who won it who built an extra room onto his home -- just to house the trophy,'' said Bauer.

Th race itself has 50 more years of history than the trophy. The first one, in 1906, was not from Newport at all, but Gravesend Bay, in New York.

Prior to the Lighthouse Trophy, the Bermuda Trophy was presented. It was also a replica of a lighthouse, but was fashioned after Gibbs Hill rather than St.

David's.

What they raced for: The Lighthouse Trophy, one of the most coveted prizes in sailing. The trophy is kept by the race winner on corrected time and a new one is donated by the Department of Tourism every two years.

SAILING SLG