Mother Nature combined steady breezes of 10 to 18 knots with splendid sunshine.

Some 83 boats with sailors hailing from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as Bermuda's home grown talent, took to the waters of the Great Sound (keel boats) and Spanish Point (dinghies) for what promises to be an intriguing week of action.

California's George Szabo, who has been nominated for Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, along with crew and female nominee Carol Newman Cronin took little time in announcing their intentions in the Snipe class. The pair were in fine harmony as they sailed a class above in seizing two `bullets' on the day to end on one and a half points.

Standing second after two races is another American, Henry Filter, on six points after combining a pair of third place finishes, while tied for third are Hal Gilreath and Lee Griffith.

This week sees the Snipes battling for both the International Race Week title as well as the North American Championships later in the week.

Likewise running away with matters in the Laser Class is Bermuda's Brett Wright, who went virtually unchallenged during his day's racing. Standing second is Robbie Dickinson (six points) after a second and fourth, with Howard Lee (seven points) third following a fourth and third.

Among the big boats, Andreas Lewin drew early blood in the hotly contested Etchells, holding off England's Graham Bailey, who after providing the tactics for Stephen Bailey's winning effort a year ago has decided to plot his own course this time around. Bailey had designs on the local after he overtook Lewin's sister Paula during the final leg. However, he ran out of course.

Sean McDermott of Canada controlled things in the J-24 class, winning both races, with Westport, Connecticut's George Desrosiers coming closest to the Canadian with third and second placings.

Among the International One Designs Kevin Farrar notched a pair of second place finishes to lead former Vrengen Gold Cup winner and multiple World Champion Bill Widnall by three quarters of a point. Widnall managed a first and fourth for four and three quarter points compared to Farrar's tally of four.