Bermuda Race in style yesterday when his boat Boomerang was first across the line for the second time in a row.

The 81-foot sloop had braved strong winds and rough seas to complete the 635-mile voyage from Brenton Reef Tower off Newport, Rhode Island in just 72 hours, 19 minutes and 29 seconds.

It was the fastest race in 10 years, since Nirvana set the record of 62 hours, 29 minutes and 16 seconds back in 1982. Full coverage on Page 23 .

Winds of up to 35 miles an hour brought Boomerang home 15 hours faster than in 1990.

It was the third victory in five outings for New Yorker Mr. Coumantaros and his crew, who also crossed the line first in 1984.

"We were hoping to break the record, but it wasn't to be,'' said Mr.

Coumantaros, who hopes that this year's effort may be enough to bring him overall honours for the first time.

"We lost the rest of the fleet about 20 hours after the start. From then on we were on our own.'' In 1990, Boomerang finished only 15 minutes ahead of Starlight Express , but this year the second boat, Congere was too far behind to overhaul her on corrected time.

"It would be great to win overall,'' said Mr. Coumantaros, "and I think we stand a good chance this year.'' Weather conditions could not have been worse when Boomerang completed the race yesterday afternoon. "We could hardly see the finish line,'' said Mr.

Coumantaros.

But the rain had stopped by the time she reached the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club where the crew got drenched once again -- this time in champagne.

"We always get a warm welcome here,'' said Mr. Coumantaros. "But I can't remember a time when there's been so much rain.'' BOOMERANG'S BACK -- Celebrations get underway at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club yesterday for the first boat to finish the 38th biennial Newport to Bermuda Race.