late yesterday afternoon in their 30-foot sloop Hot Glue Gun to win the Charleston to Bermuda race.

Their total time at sea was five days and three hours, unofficially.

However, the pair claimed the toughest part of the race was encountered as they entered Bermuda waters where weather conditions suddenly deteriorated.

Having been hit by gale-force winds during the early part of the race after they left South Carolina on Sunday, Scully and Freeman, had to contend with more harsh conditions as they rounded the southern portion of the Island and headed towards the finish.

The strong breeze eventually broke one of their rudders about two minutes before they crossed the finish line, and a relieved Scully said later the finish had proved the hardest part of the race.

Two other boats were expected to also finish yesterday evening. John Bramley's Nakoni was due in about 7.30 p.m. while Wahoo , skippered by David Browder, was expected to reach the Island about 9.00 p.m.

There was still no word from the remaining two boats, Joe Alley's Snow Squall and Russell Bridgham's Spindthrift .

Bermuda's top female sailor, Paula Lewin, has got off to a flying start in the prestigious BOAT/US Santa Maria Cup taking place in Annapolis, Maryland.

Ten of the world's top women match racers, representing three countries, began the double elimination round robin series on Thursday on a near perfect sunny day with eight to 12 knot breezes.

And after completing five flights, Lewin, with crew of sister Peta, Leatrice Roman and Carol Newman were tied for second place with American Betsy Alison, both with three wins apiece.

Racing was close all day as San Francisco's Dawn Riley and Sweden's Helena Strang both emerged with perfect records to share first place.

Sailing was scheduled to continue yesterday with the semi-final, petit final and final slated for today.