The 81st edition of Bermuda International Invitational Race Week drew to a spectacular finish in the Great Sound yesterday, with the winners from three of the five classes represented this year being decided on the final day of racing.

Since its inauguration in 1927, the annual sailing spectacle has evolved into an established international regatta attracting top skippers from all over the world.

This year's event saw 113 participants from seven different countries (Australia, Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom, Canada, America and Bermuda) compete in variable weather conditions that thoroughly tested their all-round sailing ability.

"Weather-wise, the sailors had everything thrown at them from the good, the bad to the absolute ridiculous," commented Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) commodore Ralph Richardson.

"It was actually spectacular watching the racing and especially good for me this year being commodore because I've had the opportunity to participate (in Race Week) a little more than I have in the past."

Having gone off without a "hitch", Richardson believes this year's Race Week has set the tone for what he anticipates will be an "fantastic" summer of sailing with the start of the Newport to Bermuda Race just weeks away.

"For us, Race Week represents the beginning of summer and is an event that normally brings everybody out and is a good start to what is going to be a fantastic season," he said.

"Everyone is thrilled with the way the week has gone and nobody is complaining."

Richardson added: "Race Week is a tradition that has continued to thrive.

"Many of the international skippers I have spoken to this week have been here multiple times.

"The ability to have people coming back is incredibly important to Bermuda because they are also spending money here.

"It's a very significant group who are helping to kick off our tourism season as well.

"The camaraderie has been absolutely fantastic.

"There's been a generally festive atmosphere at the yacht club and I think the event has brought local sailors together as well as our international friends.

"It has truly been a fantastic week of sailing and it's sad that it is finished. But I'm very much looking forward to next year."