being invited to take part in the prestigious Columbus Cup regatta in October as a part of the Santa Maria Cup Challenge.

Lewin was faxed the request by the event's executive director, Susan Taylor, after American Julia Trotman withdrew.

As the winner of the Santa Maria Cup -- held earlier this year in Baltimore -- Trotman had been appointed to lead a three boat team in the aforementioned competition along with Hannah Swett and Dawn Riley -- second and third in the Santa Maria event.

Lewin was originally listed as an alternate after placing fourth while representing her school, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"I feel quite privileged to have been chosen,'' said a joyful Lewin yesterday. "It's said to be almost as prestigious as the Omega Gold Cup.

"They wanted a women's team involved to mix things up a bit, which is great as that's the only way we can get better.'' A stellar cast has been lined up for the regatta, with the likes of John Kostecki, Robert Fry and Kevin Mahaney included among the list of participants.

Kostecki won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics and was the navigator for Paul Cayard, who placed second to Kiwi Russell Coutts last year during the Omega Gold Cup in Hamilton Harbour.

Fry similarly competed in the Omega Gold Cup, as a skipper, while Mahaney won a silver medal at last summer's Olympics.

Six teams of three boats are scheduled to participate in the meet, currently in its fifth year, starting on October 11 to October 16.