Governor Sir Richard Gozney has only been on Island for six months and already the sailing bug has bitten him.

Yesterday saw Sir Richard at the helm of US Naval Academy yacht, Zaraffa, which competed in the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club's (RBYC) Anniversary Regatta.

And according to US Naval Academy coach, John Tihansky, Sir Richard passed the test with flying colours.

"He made it back ashore with all of his fingers and toes so obviously he has some sailing experience," Tihansky joked.

Sir Richard took matters all in his stride.

"It was a marvellous day, with some fairly testing sailing for all. Bermuda can be proud," he said.

Sir Richard had been invited to take part in the 635 nautical mile Newport to Bermuda Race, which concludes tonight with a prize ceremony at Government House, but eventually declined the offer.

But he just couldn't resist the temptation to sail onboard the Annapoliss-based Reichel Pugh-designed yacht Zaraffa in ideal weather conditions yesterday, with the breathtaking views of the Great Sound providing the perfect backdrop.

"Although I did not take up an invitation to crew on one of the Newport to Bermuda yachts this year, only six months into my time here I have met many of the participants and organisers, Bermudian and North American, in the last few days," Sir Richard said.

"I am enormously impressed by the spirit in which it is run, as well as the spectacle at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club."

At times Sir Richard was a mere spectator on deck but did enjoy the honour of steering the 66-foot yacht across through Two Rock Passage and into the Island's port of call.

"We had a good day with the Governor onboard with us," Tihansky said.

"We all felt pretty comfortable while the weather and race course was very beautiful.

"The Governor actually made some good contributions with his local knowledge. It was a very exciting time."

The RBYC Anniversary Race consists of two races; the first a windward to leeward course and the second a scenic tour of the Great Sound via Port Royal Bay and Granaway Deep.

No results of yesterday's races were posted at press time last night due to ongoing protests, which, needless to say, kept race jurors busy at the RBYC while outside on the terrace party-goers danced the night away.