York by racing into a 2-0 lead in the two-day Atlantic Insurance Regatta in Hamilton Harbour.

But the experienced London team fought back to claim the Challenge Cup for the fourth successive time, winning five races to Bermuda's three and a single victory for New York.

It was the first time yachtsmen from the Island had competed in the round robin series for J-24 Class vessels and only yesterday's exceptionally windy weather prevented them from taking their place in the sudden-death race required under the rules if no team has a clear lead of three after the initial nine contests.

But their impressive showing won them praise from the eventual winners who now know they will have a fight on their hands to retain the trophy in the next competition in the waters of Manhattan in 1999.

Bermuda's world-ranked Paula Lewin, who works for Cat Ltd, completed a successful two days for the Island by finishing second in the individual Fleet Race.