While much of the International Race Week focus in the past has been on the highly-regarded IOD class, this year has the Etchells 22 striving to steal some of that thunder.

Reigning champion Tim Patton is set to lead a distinguished international fleet among the reaches of the Great Sound starting tomorrow in what promises to be a pitched battle.

The Bermudian is matched against 15 other skippers and their crew, including the likes of two-time winner David Jones as well as American counterparts Tim Lynch, the combination of Henry Khyl and Randy Bartholomew, and Canada's Stuart Ash.

Other locals expected to challenge are Allan Williams, Andreas Lewin and Stevie Dickinson who, after enjoying remarkable success racing Comets and Snipes, will be making his Race Week debut in the Etchells.

"There's no telling what to expect and a lot will depend on the weather,'' said a surprisingly modest Patton. "I'm not going to make any bold predictions.

"There's a 16-boat fleet and the key is not to have bad races and to sail consistently well. I don't think anybody will be able to win all the races, the fleet is just too big for that.'' Last year saw the burly Bermudian struggle in the first two races before reeling off four victories in succession to claim his fourth title by 111 points over his nearest rival.

Bartholomew and Khyl came second, but were never a threat once Patton got rolling in earnest.

Still, Patton was understandably wary of the competition, especially Lynch, who he said possessed quite a reputation sailing on the US west coast. He also noted Dickinson and Williams along with the veteran Jones, seeking amends for a bad 1993 regatta.

Patton has a new crew for this year, with Brian Hillier and Dennis Cherry being welcomed aboard.

Meanwhile, even the absence of five-time champion Peter Bromby has failed to dilute the IOD fleet with nine-time world champion Bill Widnall stepping in to take up the slack.

His chief rival will be well-known sail-maker Bill Shore, who derailed Bromby's aspirations of a `three-peat' last year.

Also begging to be included in the equation are Bermudians Blythe Walker, of Omega Gold Cup fame, and Martin Siese another rising star in the class.

Glen Astwood returns to defend the honour of the Tornado class as does J24 ace John Alofsin.

While the aforementioned will operate from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, the smaller craft will be based at the Spanish Point Boat Club.

Laser ace Malcolm Smith tops the bill in his class, while other points of interest lay in the Sunfish, where Bahamian Donnie Martinborough has reigned supreme in the past. The Comet class has Rudy Bailey installed as an early favourite with American Mark Hess a likely adversary.