brighter spell is predicted for the start of the New Year.

Forecasters said yesterday winds would reach 20 to 25 knots by 10 a.m. today, with gusts up to 30 knots.

And waters in and around Bermuda are expected to remain rough with a smallcraft warning posted for early today.

Total rainfall for the month so far is a soggy 7.6 inches, almost double the monthly average of 4.4 inches. It's the highest recorded rainfall in December for more than a decade.

The latest casualty of the continuing foul weather was the 36-foot ketch, Iolanthe , which was heaved onto rocks on Sunday night.

High winds and seas broke the boat from its moorings and drove it aground on the western side of Castle Harbour. Attempts by Marine Police yesterday to free the boat failed because of the strong easterly winds.

A spokesman for Harbour Radio said the ketch had been anchored securely, and another attempt would be made once weather conditions improved.

The yacht's owner, Dr. James Burnett-Herkes was attempting to assess the damage late last night.

The US Naval Oceanography Command Facility issued three gale warnings during December, along with a number of smallcraft warnings.

"We've had smallcraft warnings forever,'' said a NAS spokesman yesterday.

Fire services have been kept busy all month as well, dealing with floodings at businesses and residences throughout the Island, courtesy of heavy downpours.

Torrential rains washed out the annual Santa Claus parade two weeks ago, drenching participants and spectators. Although organisers initially planned to restage the event, it was eventually cancelled.

However, visitors to the Island don't seem to mind the darkened skies and downpours, if an informal poll taken along Front Street yesterday is any indication.

Former Bermuda resident Ms Linda Grearson, who is travelling with first-time visitor Mr. Yves Gionet, said she had been trying to convince her friend how nice the local weather could be. And Mr. Gionet, from Toronto, Canada, was looking on the bright side.

"The weather here is warmer than Canada,'' he said. "There are so many beautiful things (in Bermuda) besides the weather.'' Donald and Nancy Salander of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were also enjoying their annual trip to Bermuda despite the showers.

"It doesn't make a bit of difference,'' said Mr. Salander. "One (sunny) day out of seven is fine with us.'' Mrs. Salander added: "We know you need the water. We love it here anyway.'' Pat and Andrea Smyth, who are staying with friends in Southampton, said they had visited Bermuda several times before, although this was their first experience with the winter weather.

"It's kind of weird not being able to get a tan,'' said Mrs. Smyth, who has spent most of their one-week vacation browsing in stores.'' "But we know where all the best pubs are now, so we have plenty of places to go when it starts pouring,'' her husband joked.

Mrs. Beverly Cooke and her teenage daughter Sonja said they much preferred a rain-soaked Bermuda to their frozen hometown of Chicago.

"We're indoors shopping most of the time anyway,'' said Mrs. Cooke. "We've been to Bermuda over Christmas before. We know the weather isn't always perfect, so we don't really mind.'' Forecasters predicted an improvement beginning tonight with sunshine breaking through tomorrow.

MOPPING UP -- Mr. Wayne Raynor (right) and Mr. Clarence Raynor spent hours clearing water from the field for yesterday's Dudley Eve soccer match. See Page 20 .

ON THE ROCKS -- Dr. James Burnett-Herkes (left) and friends attempt to secure his yacht Iolanthe which yesterday became the latest damage victim of December's storms.