their behalf for more than $12,000 in prizes in the 1993 Bank of Butterfield Charity Race next Thursday.

The event, the only one of its kind in the world, is held in conjunction with the prestigious Omega Gold Cup.

Hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club from October 17 through October 24, the Gold Cup is the world's oldest one-design match race. It attracts some of the world's leading sailors.

At a press conference yesterday at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, lots were drawn, pairing the skippers to the seven local charities.

The Bank of Butterfield's senior marketing manager, Mr. Tom Lamont, announced that this year's charity race would be "bigger and better than last year''.

The skippers, he said, would all donate their free time to support the charities, sailing a three-race series in Hamilton harbour and vying for the winning prize of $2,500.

All the charities participating, he added, would be winners as each would receive a consolation prize of $1,500.

Besides the Bank of Butterfield, generous contributions have been made to the total prize money by Stevedoring Services Ltd. and XL Insurance Co. Ltd.

Bristol Cellars and Miles Market are contributing refreshments.

"An entirely new slate of charities will be participating this year and two representatives from each charity will experience the chance of a lifetime, sailing alongside the best skippers in the world,'' said Mr. Lamont.

Charities participating include The Bermuda Boy Scouts Association, with New Zealander No. 1 seed Russell Coutts, Bermuda War Veterans with Englishman Ed Warden Own (No. 9), Bermuda TB, Cancer & Health Association with Rod Davis of Australia (No. 3), Young Life Bermuda with fellow Australian Peter Gilmore (No. 2), The Salvation Army with the USA's Ed Baird (No. 4), Bermuda Sea Cadet Association with American Kevin Mahaney (No. 15) and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme in Bermuda with American Paul Cayard (No. 13).

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Commodore Mr. John Thompson said all the races, including the Charity Race, would be sailed off Albuoy's Point, where public refreshments tents will be set up.

"There will be a wonderful view for everyone. And even for those who don't know a lot about sailing, it will be great fun.''