first of three qualifying trials for the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) 2001 Championships.

Kirkland was remarkably consistent while performing in the Great Sound in 18-20 knot breezes, recording a first, three seconds and a third place finish to wind up with a low of 10 points, eight better than Jonathan Kempe.

Kempe recorded more victories -- two first place finishes -- but a sub-par third race, where he was ninth, cost him dearly in the face of the invariable Kirkland.

Meanwhile, third on the list, one which included seven US youngsters, was another Bermudian, James Doughty, with 23 points. The IODA Championships are to be held in China next July.

RUGBY CLASSIC ON TV RUG Rugby Classic on TV Rugby fans will get a second chance to view this year's Classic when it receives a television screening on VSB on New Year's Day at 8 p.m.

The tournament, won this year by the South Africans who defeated Argentina in the final at Nationals, has already been aired in Britain, mainland Europe and the US. It will also be seen in New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.

"Every black quarterback who is and ever will be rides on the shoulders of Jefferson Street Joe.'' -- Thelma Harper, speaking at the funeral of the ex-Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joe Gilliam Jr.