well-earned breather this year and will not be undertaking the 600-mile ocean crossing.

But, even though he won't be racing, Cooper will still be playing a major role in next month's 38th biennial event.

An international judge with 10 years experience, Cooper is chairman of the international jury which will determine the penalties for any infractions of the racing rules.

Sitting with him on the five-man jury will be Robin Judah of Bermuda, Canadian Peter Evans, and Americans James Carroll and Bill Foulk Jr, all of whom are international judges.

Cooper, who was a judge for the 1983 America's Cup, will listen to any protests lodged by the skippers in this year's Newport fleet.

He and his jury will also rule on any appeals arising from penalties imposed by the compliance committee.

Cooper said he would miss not sailing in this year's race, but hoped to line up for the 1994 event. "I'm just taking a break this year. It's hard work racing every year.'' The veteran sailor, who came within a whisker of a medal in the Dragon Class at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, also has his sights set on next year's Marion Race, having taken line honours in 1991.

KIRK COOPER -- Chairman of the Newport Bermuda Race International Jury.