got underway in the Great Sound with locals capturing first place honours in each of the first two races and at the end of the day holding down three of the top five positions.

Malcolm Smith, with a first and second, and former champion Stevie Dickinson (first and sixth) were both able to master shifting winds of 10-12 knots and perch themselves at the head of the leaderboard. Smith stands first on 23 points while Dickinson is just four points adrift on 63 . Veteran Rudy Bailey is in fifth spot.

But despite a fine showing by the locals there was a strong presence felt from the overseas competitors. Two-time winner Mark Hess (third) of the United States champion Jamie Hilton (fourth) also of the US were always in the thick of things and as they become more aquainted with the conditions they will undoubtedly have a say in the final outcome.

Better known for his exploits among the Snipes, Smith, with Julie Grayston as his crew, showed versatility and a `never say die' attitude as he seemingly came out of nowhere on each occasion. He trailed in fourth during the initial race before surging up to second, passing Hess and Hilton along the way. And for his triumph later on he again overhauled Hess, this time on the final leg, after the latter took a bad line heading for the finish.

"I'm really happy with the way things went, '' said Smith. "There's a lot of competition out there and it can go either way. Hopefully we can repeat tomorrow and keep the trophy in Bermuda.'' Meanwhile Dickinson, champion in 1989, never trailed in the first race, getting off to a great start and sailing consistently and controlled, holding off a late challenge by Smith who surged all the way from fourth to second.

However Dickinson was not so fortunate the second time around, leaving the starting line sluggishly and then losing a dogfight at the end for fifth place with longtime rival Bailey.

"I think it was a good day's effort and overall we sailed well,'' said Dickinson, the only Bermudian to have won the competition. "Wesley (Tucker) and I handled the boat well out there. If we can maintain consistency and stay in the top three or four we could be really close.'' Considered by many to be Bermuda's best Comet sailor, Dickinson held the Americans in high regard.

"These guys are really on top of things. Hilton is sailing well and Hess is always there along with Beaton...they're a nuisance.'' CLASSY COMET -- Bermuda's Malcolm Smith (4129) leads after the first day of racing.