he accepted the silver St. David's Lighthouse Trophy for first place on corrected time in the 40th biennial Newport to Bermuda Ocean race on Saturday evening.

"We've been like Jason chasing the Golden Fleece,'' said Coumantaros, owner/skipper of Boomerang .

"I've been racing to Bermuda for 44 years. I've been first to finish but until now we've never won on corrected time. I've sailed 22 races and brought 350 crew members to Bermuda and 250 wives.

"I'd like to recognise the support and affection of my crew and give all of who sail for the Lighthouse Trophy some advice. Don't despair. Keep trying. If you don't win it by the time you are 75, withdraw.'' For being the navigator of the Lighthouse winner, Bob Hale of New York won the George W. Mixter Trophy. Hale guided Boomerang up to 45 miles west of the rhumb line course to Bermuda, avoiding unfavourable Gulf Stream currents and picking the proper side for new wind, which shifted to the west and lifted the yacht for a fast track to the finish line.

In addition to the coveted Lighthouse Trophy, Boomerang won the new Rod Stephens Memorial Trophy for being first on corrected time in the Racing Division.

Boomerang smashed a 14-year-old record in the race, finishing first in the 635-mile ocean marathon.

The brand new lightweight maxi cut almost five hours off the old record set by old style maxi, Nirvana , in 1982. And for being first to finish Boomerang took the Birdseye Cedar and Sterling Silver Plaque.

AT LAST! -- Boomerang owner/skipper George Coumantaros (centre) holds the coveted St.David's Lighthouse Trophy surrounded by crew members (from left) John Fisher, Robert Hale, Jeff Newberth and Bob Leuch.