Day break in Bermuda with his family, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The US presidential hopeful stepped off his whirlwind campaign trail to enjoy a spot of boating, one of his favourite sports.

Several people spotted him soaking up the sun as he piloted his luxury yachts near his Tucker's Town homes.

One man was sitting on the verandah at Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort when he saw Mr. Perot on board the Chateau Margaux .

The white two-deck yacht -- its name in gold lettering -- glided past with Mr.

Perot at the helm.

"There were about 11 people on the top deck, sitting on lounge-type chairs, and also built-in benches,'' said the man, who does not wish to be named.

"Several family members were on board, enjoying the sunshine. Mr. Perot was piloting the boat, and there was someone next to him.'' Mr. Barry Jones and his wife, Caroline, of Warwick, also caught sight of the Texas billionaire off Tucker's Town. The couple, who were in their car, instantly recognised the 62-year-old. This time he was on another boat.

"We waved to him and he waved back. We didn't say anything, but just drove on,'' said Mrs. Jones.

Security was stepped up during Mr. Perot's visit, with Police and guards manning a checkpoint on a private road leading to his homes.

One American professional photographer on an assignment complained of intimidation when he was challenged by security personnel.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Perot's Petition Committee -- his Dallas campaign headquarters -- refused to confirm or deny his Bermudian get-away break.

"He could have been in Bermuda, but we only publicise his national media appearances,'' she said. "We wouldn't release information on his private schedule.'' The spokeswoman also declined to comment on an article in the US magazine Time which reported that Mr. Perot had watched as part of a reef was dynamited near his Tucker's Town properties.

It was claimed the reef was blown up to allow Mr. Perot to dock his yacht at the doorstep of his vacation homes.

"We are aware of the article, but have no comment to make,'' said the spokeswoman.

She added, however: "I can tell you the story has not had any impact on our campaign. Mr. Perot is still ahead according to a poll out today.''