Morgan’s Ghost has become the first Bermudian yacht to take line honours in the 30th anniversary Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race since Starr Trail achieved the feat four years ago.

The Class A entry, a New York 42 German Frers design, crossed the finishing line at St. David’s Lighthouse yesterday morning at 11.06am with a time of three days, 19 hours and 52 minutes.

Skippered by Bermudian Preston Hutchings, Morgan’s Ghost was the newest and quickest boat in the fleet but was put under pressure by Kathleen owned by American Jim Feeney who sails out of Marion, Massachusetts.

Morgan’s Ghost traded the lead with Feeney’s boat in the early morning before the NY42 pulled away on a wind shift.

Kathleen, a 72-foot Renato Levi design, was the oldest boat in the fleet and was the third to finish the race with a time of three days 20 hours, 18 minutes. It was pipped to the finishing line by Venture — an Oyster Marine 62 skippered by Peter Savage.

Under the main handicap rule for the race, Kathleen corrects out ahead of the two boats that crossed the line first.

Morgan’s Ghost had built up a considerable lead between Marion and the Gulf Stream but was pegged back with the light breeze to Bermuda favouring its rival yachts.

Hutchings, 51, said he couldn’t quite believe he had triumphed in the race as it was the first time he had entered.

“It’s quite a big thing for a Bermudian boat to be the first to complete this race - it’s a bit of national pride,” he said.

“I’m delighted and to be honest I can’t believe it - it’s the first time I have entered the race.

“We had a great start from Marion because of great conditions and had an enormous lead by the time we got to the Gulf Stream.

“But the light breeze then favoured Kathleen and she cut into our lead.”

Race press officer Talbot Wilson said the contest had been an interesting battle between the oldest and newest boat.

“Everyone associated with the Bermuda sailing was excited about Morgan’s Ghost crossing the finishing line first,” he added.

Meanwhile, at time of press James Barnes’ Lynley III was clocked at travelling along at 7.1 knots with Barry Feldman’s Avalon ahead in Class C.

The last Bermudian boat to complete the 645 nautical mile crossing was Robert Mulderig’s Starr Trail in 2003.

US entry, Panacea, captained by American skipper Gus MacDonald was the first boat to cross the finish during the 2005 Marion to Bermuda Race.

The inaugural race was held in 1977, a year that saw 104 starters cross the line.