After covering 15 miles sailing off the North Shore only five seconds separated the duo.

North easterly breezes of around 12 knots greeted the fleet and witnessed along the way were several spirited luffing matches between the various competitors.

In the end a superior handicap allowed Couper and his crew to emerge triumphant.

"We all enjoyed it and PWs put on a nice show at the end,'' said Hubbard, who won the event last year.

The race is held annually in honour of the late company chairman John W. Cox under the combined auspices of the Bermuda Offshore Cruising Association and PWs.

"Sir John was especially fond of the sea and yacht racing and we believe this race is an excellent way to honour him,'' said William J. Cox, chief excecutive officer of PWs, in a press release.

Third on corrected time was Thistledew under the direction of Bobby Oatley.

First across the line was Circe with Martin Purser at the helm. Meanwhile, Hubbard took the top spot in Class II, while Delphinus added the Class III category to its overall prize.

LOCAL TENNIS TEN A new format is being used for this year's Grotto Bay Open Tennis Tournament, which gets underway today, with three venues being used to accomodate the large field.

The main host is Grotto Bay, but numerous matches will also be played at the Tennis Stadium and the Hamiltonian Island Club courts.

Donna Bradshaw returns to defend her women's `A' title, but there is sure to be a new chgampion crowned among the men as last year's winner Ken McDonald has chosen not to enter.

Ricky Mallory is the top seed in the men's `A' category followed by Jerome Bradshaw, Tony Readwin and Wilfred Gonsalves.

Meanwhile, Debbie Darrell, Lavern Jones and Elizabeth Stewart rank two, three and four behind Donna Bradshaw on the female side.

Today's schedule: At Grotto Bay 11.00: M.Meaudin v M.Mackinnon 11.30: L.Stowe v P.Muldoon 12.00: U.Mueller v E.Redmond 5.30: P.Anderson v F.Tersigni; L.Lynch v S.Wilson; T.Readwin v E.Collins 6.00: D.Cook v G.Stuckey At Tennis Stadium 5.30: O.Bain v M.Tang; A.Simmons v B.Brangman; B.Spencer v S.Fox; L.Samuels v B.Roach 5.45: T.Smith v M.Ray.

BOWLING BOW Sharks have taken over the lead in the Fishbowl League on the strength of a 4-0 win over Rockfish in their last outing.

Reggie Tavares led the Sharks' effort with a 531 series with support from `better-half' Lorraine's 492. Bruce Benevides led the Rockfish efforts with a 516.

Mackerel went after the Angel Fish and came away with a 3-1 win thanks to Ruth Thomas' third high women's series of 500.

Marlins and Porgies battled to a 2-2 draw, with Marlins' effort spearheaded by Hank Corrado who had the men's second high series of 593 and third game of 218. Joe Correia supported with the men's second high series 552 and third game 221. Ron Birdsey led the Porgies with a 503.

Wahoo did not have an easy night against Tuna but still managed a 3-1 win thanks to Doug Hines' top series of 625 and second game 218. Tuna's efforts were led by Mansfield Allen with a 522.

Barracuda ruined the Dolphins' efforts to remain on top with a 4-0 win. Prudy Spriggs led the cause with the women's second high series 507 while team-mate Sue Simmons chipped in with a 192 to share the second game honours.

Cow Pollies took the Piranhas to task with a 3-1 win, led by A.J.Mello's 640 handicap series. Piranhas could not seem to get out of the starting blocks.

Snappers went after Hinds in a closely contested match with Snappers winning three out of four points. Ann Mitchell had the women's top series and game of 513 and 193 for the winners.

TABLE TENNIS PP Due to the general election the top 10 round robin on October 2 and league opener on October 5 have been put back to October 9 and 12 respectively.

The top 10 players from last season are Dexter Smith, Cory Berkeley, Nick Frost, Andrew Smith, Cal Burgess, Derron Trott, Rawle Frederick, Roderick Masters, David Waltham and Cal Butterfield. The alternatives in case of unavailability are Stuart Trott, Brian DeSilva, Craig Trott, Mike Lindo and Monique Ternier.

Those unable to play should contact Frederick at 292-3999 or Mansfield Smith at 297-0518.

Meanwhile the association will hold a meeting tomorrow evening at The Centre at 7.30. Teams intending to enter the league are urged to send representatives.

POOL POO Gary Skinner displayed fine early season form last week, registering a perfect 50 for Queens Club to lead them to a narrow 187-181 win over Vasco III as action got underway in the Bermuda Pool League.

Also chipping in was Trevor Mouchette, who weighed in with 46 points, but the match went to a deciding final game where Greg Falzone held his nerves in the face of intense pressure to defeat Cliff Alison 10-6 and seal the result in favour of Queens.

Meanwhile, Mike Zimmerman and Gaspar Oliveira also had 50s, while Tony Reveredo totaled 47 during a 231-137 trouncing by Vasco I over Vasco II.

In other matches Swinging Doors I downed Swinging Doors II on the tails of 44 points by Terrence Parsons, while War Vets I eased by War Vets II 205-187 as Mark Aubrey made 50 and Colleen Lewis 47.

Thursday's schedule of matches: War Vets II v Vasco III; Swinging Doors II v War Vets I; Robin Hood II v Hamilton Parish; Frog and Onion v Swinging Doors I; Queens v Mariners; Vasco II v Robin Hood I.

DARTS DRT The Bermuda Ladies Darts League will kick off its new season on Friday with 10 teams competing in their league. BAA, last season's league champions, will travel away to meet runners up RAA in the top match while other matches see St. George's II hosting BPSA, Moonglow taking on Hamilton Parish, Police East meeting Mariners and St. George's I playing EEMYC.

SOCCER SOC Wolves Sports Club will hold its annual general meeting tomorrow at Elliott School (7.30 p.m.).