Paula Lewin has a problem that only one woman can solve.

However, finding that person in itself has presented a dilemma.

Bermuda's leading female sailor desperately requires an additional crew member to join her, sister Peta Lewin and Leatrice Roman in order that they might be better equipped to train and compete among the women's match racing circuit.

Currently, Lewin has been scrambling to `employ' additional crew once she arrives at the various venues around the world, but explained that that continual scenario has been hindering her team's chances during competition.

"We're a threesome trying to be a foursome,'' said Lewin, who performed well during the recent Brut Gold Cup where she had one female and two male crew members. "We had a chance to win the last regatta and didn't because of crew work.

"We had a 47-year-old woman from Florida, but it was not enough. She was good and knew what she was doing, but we need more so somebody here as a regular crew member with whom we can train and practice on a regular basis.'' Lewin placed fourth out of 10 boats at the Women's Match Racing Championships in St. Petersburg, Florida as she was beaten 2-1 in the semi-finals by American Char Doyle, who went on to win the regatta.

She lost despite leading for most of the deciding race under 20 knot winds, only being overtaken at the final windward mark rounding.

Yet she came away from the event that featured four of the women involved with the American 3 syndicate with much needed experience, some of which she hopes to use at subsequent meets.

"`It was a good event and we learned a lot of subtle things,'' said Lewin.

"We won every single start and were very good in that regard, but lost that advantage on the course through a lack of knowledge and knowing what to do.'' Standing on the horizon for Lewin and company is the Santa Maria Cup in Annapolis, Maryland, for which she would dearly love to have a fourth crew member in place.

In the meantime Lewin will also be participating in Miami on the occasion of the Can Am Regatta which is an Olympic Class event.

This year has been kind to the young yachtswoman and she handed out special praise to the likes of Jonathan Coustance, Peter Bromby, Centre Cat and Reggie Cooper for all their financial and moral support, saying that there was little chance of her accomplishing anything without such help.

ONE WOMAN SHORT -- The team of, from left, Leatrice Roman, Paula Lewin and Peta Lewin need another female to enhance their chances on the women's match racing circuit.