of the Island's sailors involved in the Senior National Sailing Championships, slated for tomorrow and Sunday.

Particular interest surrounds the Etchells fleet, one which has rapidly gained prominence on the local scene during the past few years.

Expected to lead the charge is stalwart Tim Patton, who has dominated much of the action over this period of growth, and who will be seeking to end a three year drought in the competition.

"We haven't put our hearts and soul into the National Championships in the past...it hasn't been that important (to us),'' said Patton, who will have Michael Carey and veteran Clive Thatcher as crew. "(But) we've won every series we've sailed this year, including International Race Week...we don't intend to stop now! "The boat's going well and the crew's been together a long time. I think we can hold them (competition).'' However, Patton is expected to be given a stern test and pointed out the likes of Stevie Dickinson, Allan Williams and Brett Wright as the main obstacles to the title.

Defending champion Scott Simmons also may play a key role in the outcome, but his appearances in the summer races have been sporadic due to work commitments.

"I have a lot of respect for the other sailors...Stevie Dickinson is certainly a threat as is Allan Williams,'' Patton added. "I figure we'll need to finish consistently in the top three or four places (to win it).

"Hopefully there will be enough breeze to use our boat handling to separate us from the less experienced crews.

"One thing with this class is that all the boats are the same, so nobody has an advantage...and you can't buy boat speed!'' Another craft specialising in the speed department are the Tornados, with their zig-zag action, as they glide seemingly uninhibited across the water.

Local experts Alan Burland and Glenn Astwood are expected to do battle in this class, both having ruled the waves this year and in the past.

Meanwhile, Michael Emery is looking to go one notch better than in 1992 when he was beaten into the runner-up position by nemesis Trevor Boyce.

The former has enjoyed much success in the absence of the latter from recent outings, but admitted that the return of Boyce presented a different challenge.

"It's going to be tough,'' said Emery. "Trevor is going to be out there and we have a rivalry that goes way back.

"Having my regular crew back after about a month's (absence) makes me feel more confident. We've been up and down, but recently it's been pretty good.'' Finally there are the elegant International One Design boats. However, a notable absentee will be reigning champ Peter Bromby, currently in Holland competing at the Nations Cup Grand Final.

Blythe Walker could thus be in line for honours after a fine season at the helm. Still he will likely have to deal with the tactical genius of Penny Simmons and the good all-round ability of Martin Siese among others who may be seeking glory of their own.

Peter Bromby, Penny Simmons and Martin Siese have been selected to carry the local banner during the International One Design (IOD) World Championships next month (October 2 to 8), being hosted here in Bermuda.

Bromby is the two-time defending champion, having won in San Francisco in 1991 and again last year when Marblehead was the venue, and will be looking to make a "three-peat'' of titles as they take to the Great Sound in the seven-race event.

Simmons has also won -- 1984 -- and was second and third in 1991 and 1992 respectively.

Twelve representatives from three other countries -- Norway, Scotland and the United States -- are expected, bringing the total fleet to 15.

RIDING A SUCCESSFUL WAVE -- This weekend's national championships have suddenly taken on added meaning for Tim Patton and his crew.