has already begun preparations for competing in the Laser Class.

Smith, better known for his exploits in the Sunfish and Snipe classes, was first in four of six races last Saturday in the class that has been rejuvenated with the recent arrival of several new boats.

"That's (Olympics) probably one of the priorities on my list, but it's still a long way off,'' said Smith, one of the Island's most versatile sailors.

"I'll be doing a lot of practising in the Lasers but I'll also be busy doing the Snipes and Sunfish.

"There's not a lot happening with the (Laser) class now, but I think it will grow with the Olympic acceptance.'' The Lasers were recently announced as an Olympic class event along with the Star boats in which fellow Bermudian Peter Bromby is expected to compete.

Atlanta is the host city for the '96 Games, but the sailing will be held in Savannah.

Reigning national champion Adam Barboza, second to Smith on Saturday is another consideration in the Laser Class, which had a total of 10 boats answer the starter's gun in Hamilton Harbour.

Long considered one of the Island's best among the Sunfish and Snipes, Smith has a long list of accomplishments to back up that claim.

He has won the local Race Week as well as the national championships on a number of occasions and has also fared well in several overseas regattas.

This is highlighted by a second-place finish at the Sunfish World Championships in 1986 and a third at this year's regatta in Houston.

Sprinkled in between were a bronze medal performance among the Laser fleet at the 1990 CAC Games in Mexico followed by him finishing 10th at the Pan Am Games the following year.

Still Smith said that the route to the Olympics will be an arduous one.

"It's going to be tough getting qualified, and it'll probably be one of the toughest classes period.

"It's very popular and has many of the world's best sailors.'' The CAC Games may be first on Smith's immediate agenda as far as international competition is concerned, with those being contested in Puerto Rico.

Said Smith: "I'm just waiting to see which regattas come up and what funding is available.

"It takes a lot of time and money to prepare for these things so I'll see how it goes and take it as it comes.'' Smith likens the Lasers to the Sunfish boats and said that there is not much adjustment needed although the former are a bit tougher to handle.

"The Sunfish and Laser are very similar. The Lasers are a more responsive type boat and of better design.'' MALCOLM SMITH -- A dominating figure in the local Laser Class.