with some revelling in the thrill of victory and others left nursing the wounds of defeat...both physical and mental.

Matthew Berridge and Graham Bailey placed themselves in unassailable positions among the International 14s and Etchells respectively heading into the final day of competition at International Race Week.

However, for International One Design skipper John Henry and veteran Laser campaigner Howard Lee the day was one which they would likely wish to forget, and this may actually be so in the case of Henry.

The American wound up having to be transported by police to hospital for treatment -- possibly a few stitches -- after suffering a two inch long laceration to the left side of his scalp.

Henry was completing a required penalty turn on the last leg when he apparently slipped and was struck by the boom as it rotated.

A groggy Henry was picked up by the Press boat and taken to shore where Marine Police administered initial first aid. Last night his condition was not known, although it was not believed to be serious.

Enhanced wind and surf conditions increased demand on the crews and for the Snipes and Lasers there was even the aspect of a pair of two ocean liners criss-crossing the course tossed into the mix.

Lee got into difficulty when his mast snapped in two, leaving him aimlessly adrift.

Despite it all, Berridge proved as reliable as a Timex, notching two second place finishes that, added to three earlier firsts and a second, gave him his first title in Bermuda waters.

Berridge, Bailey wrap up Race Week victory From Page 33 Even a breakdown in the day's first race and a "trip down the mine'' during the second could not keep the Toronto resident from continuing his domination, as he and crew Chris Pike recovered spectacularly.

"We got a little bit lucky with a few breaks and people capsizing and were able to get close enough for second in both races and maintain our position -- first overall,'' said Berridge, who will travel to the I-14 World Championships in England next month.

"We have a new rig that we're working on, which seems to be working well for us. We've managed to stay upright most of the time, haven't put many feet wrong and haven't had any bad luck really.

"Conditions have been great, the breeze is good -- it's been consistently strong every day -- we're happy with that, as it makes for good sailing. The waves are a bit tricky in the (Great) Sound, they bounce off the shore and you get some standing waves.

"Sun, sand and very blue water...it's been great for us.'' Bailey wrapped up the Etchells championship even though he only managed fourth on the day, his consistency throughout the week paying dividends.

Bermuda's Paula Lewin thus seized the moment to win her first of the week, beating United States' Peter Duncan by nine boat lengths.

"It was good for us today, a bit more settled than most of the other races in terms of shifts. We figured it out early and stayed in phase and had good boat speed (throughout),'' said Lewin, uncharacteristically erratic in her performances until yesterday.

"The earlier eighth and tenth that I had were good starts, but very radical shifts and I just didn't pick them very well.

"I (had) my dad sailing with me today. Typically the Etchells sail with three, but they passed a law allowing you to sail with four as long as you're below the weight limit, so that's what I did. Yeah, my pops was out there and his extra weight helped...it makes a difference.'' Intriguing battles have shaped up in the Laser and IOD classes, with Bermuda's Brett Wright returning to dinghy racing action after missing a day and reassuming the top spot, but threatened by Mike Lewis, while Kevin Farrar, Adam Wheeler and Peter McCausland each have legitimate shots at the Norwegian Series `B' title.

Sean McDermott maintained his grip on the J-24 Class, while the start of the Snipes North American Championships witnessed Henry Filter and Lee Griffith swap first and thirds to top the leaderboard, with George Szabo lurking in third.

Leading the way: Top local female sailor Paula Lewin (centre) and her crew, competing in the Etchells class, notched their first win at this year's International Race Week yesterday.