with a nailbiting 3-2 series victory over Adam Barboza during yesterday's Bank of Bermuda Cup final.

The gutsy Barboza, known more for his exploits among the local Laser fleet, showed equal aplomb in the much larger International One Design. He led Bromby on each leg of the final before the latter caught and passed him at the last windward mark.

A cacophony of horns from the spectator fleet greeted both competitors at the finish, although the loudest came from the multitude of Somerset supporters squarely behind Bromby, who hails from the west end.

Nevertheless, both were winners as each earned passes into the Omega Gold Cup as the top two qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the morning's semi-finals produced its share of drama, with the anticipated showdown between Bromby and Blythe Walker taking centre stage.

Bromby's decision to choose the experienced Walker over the less fancied Martin Siese or Barboza as his opponent stimulated much talk late last week and the move initially appeared to backfire.

Walker defeated Bromby in the first race, before losing three straight and being eliminated.

The other semi-final saw Barboza down Siese 3-1 after being tied at 1-1.

Thirty-one Optimist boats made it to the starting line in Hamilton Harbour for the Junior Bank of Bermuda Cup, with children from all the various sailing schools participating.

Racing on the same course used by the senior sailors, Andrew Henderson won the 13-15 age group followed by Travis Burland and Bobby Beale.

A.J. Crane captured the 10-12 bracket ahead of Alexander Kirkland and Alexander Lines, while Charlie Simons was victorious among the 8-9 group, with Alan Frith second and Alex MacDonald third.