Leading Etchells sailor Tim Patton yesterday dismissed rumours that he would not be competing in this year's International Race Week, set to start on Sunday.

Patton, rated the Island's number one Etchells skipper and second only to American Tim Lynch a year ago, was originally thought to be opting out in protest of the lack of a weight limit in the class which gives advantage to heavier crews, especially in strong air.

However, while admitting to having started his own rumour about not taking part, Patton hinted that he was now preparing a challenge for the annual regatta that officially signals the start of the season.

"It's a shame that some people are allowed to get an advantage by having extra weight on their boats,'' said Patton, a perennial favourite and seeking his fifth title at the regatta.

"Weight limits are instituted at all other world class level events and there's no reason why it should not be done in this regatta.

"An Etchells will go faster to windward at anything over 10 knots with a crew of maximum weight than with another crew of less than the maximum weight.

"(But) the boat is big enough to carry the extra weight in light air, so while there's no penalty to have it (extra weight) in light air, it is advantageous to have it in heavy air.

"That's the reason why the limit was instituted...it wasn't something just invented.'' Christine Patton, class president and wife of Tim Patton, however, provided a contrasting view to the weight debate.

"I think that Tim is morally correct, that it was the intention of the class governors that a weight limit eventually be added, but it's something that is up to the organisers of the various regattas,'' she said.

"Myself and Tim, we're in opposite camps as technically I feel he's incorrect because we're not a sanctioned event and we cannot enforce a weight limit at this stage and have been advised of the difficulty in enforcing such a measure.

"So morally I feel he's right, but technically he's out of line.'' She went on to mention that the issue could be "explored after the regatta...both in relation to this regatta and normal Saturday racing.'' Still, Tim was adamant that restrictions were necessary, but was willing to sweep the issue under the carpet -- at least for now.

Regarding the fact that one day he's out and the next day he's in the regatta, Patton said: "I thought about it and just couldn't (stay out).

"It's good for me to sail in this regatta and one that I truly enjoy. I just thought that it would be a shame for me to miss race week having done it so many times.'' Even with 1994 winner Lynch not returning to defend the crown, there were several other factors that brought concern to Patton, the most obvious being Peter Bromby, who stands firmly planted as a major obstacle to any bid for the championship.

Patton said that he was not afraid of the challenge posed by Bromby, who has been busy racing overseas in both the Star and J24 classes and was second to Patton in the Etchells series despite missing several series events.

"There's no way I'm frightened of Peter, but I do have tremendous respect for his ability,'' said Patton, who was keeping his crew selection "under wraps''. "He's sailing at a different level than anybody in Bermuda and I fully support his Olympic campaign.

"On the other hand, I have a lot of experience in the boats and Peter can expect from me and the rest of the competitors a good run for the money.

There's some very good sailors coming here and very good locals already here.

"I would like to think that I'll be in the top three when it's all over.

"You just need to sail well. Just like any other regatta, if you sail well and don't make mistakes you'll do well.'' A solid contingent of overseas sailors has also been secured for the class, the most prominent being Canadian Stuart Ash, a regular participant at the local regatta and regarded as among the top three contenders alongside Bromby and Patton.

From England comes Ted Fort, another frequent visitor, while others set to test their ocean prowess include American Ken Batzer, Andrus Wilson of Canada and American Peter Rowsom.

TIM PATTON -- "It's a shame some people are allowed to get an advantage.''