the once popular Tornado class appears to have been sunk without trace, and there are fears that it may not be able to resurface in the near future.

On life support ever since the closure of the United States Naval Annex in Southampton left the Tornado sailors seeking a viable area to house the swift catamarans, the class may have taken its last breath, according to prominent local sailor Glenn Astwood, a past Race Week champion.

"Nobody seems to want to race any more,'' said Astwood, who was fourth a year ago, after winning in 1993.

"I don't know what's happening, no one's coming out. The class is pretty much caput...dead!'' Astwood disputed the theory that the base closure had been the sole or even reason at all for the decline.

"People might say that that's the reason, but it isn't. The interest just isn't there...'' But rather than remain idle on the sidelines Astwood has turned to the Etchells 22 class, rapidly gaining in popularity.

He failed, however, in his bid to qualify for next week's regatta and instead spent a few days watching live the America's Cup trials which finished in San Diego, California this week.

Astwood is now considering a foray into the newly instituted JY15 class, although having just returned from vacation he said it might be difficult to get additional time off from work.

But Astwood's heart rests with the Tornados and he remains hopeful of their resurrection.

"If they're willing to race I'll be there,'' he said. "But I see no attempt to revive it at the moment.'' Concurring -- for the most part -- with Astwood was Martin Bolton, the last president of the class. But, in contrast, Bolton firmly believed that the base closure played a major role.

"There isn't a Tornado class any more. We don't have anything any more. At the moment it is very much dead,'' said Bolton, who added that many had in fact been sold or exported to the United States.

"The uncertainty of the base last year helped foster the lack of interest and certain people decided to sell their boats which left three less in Bermuda and then the rest are scattered widely about the Island.

"It's a shame that it has died out due to the all round lack of interest in which the base helped speed up the demise.'' Bolton believed that the only way for any rejuvenation would be an injection of new blood into the class combined with aid from veteran class members.