highly-regarded Can-Am Regatta.

Peter Bromby, Blythe Walker and Malcolm Smith are all included on the list of entrants for this meet, which acts as an Olympic qualifier for Canada and the United States and features all Olympic class vessels.

For the Bermudians, it is a chance to earn precious world rankings points and increase chances of gaining a berth in their chosen class when the 1996 Games roll around.

Next week's event will be held at the US Sailing Centre in Miami, Florida, a spot familiar to the local yachtsmen.

For Bromby, it is akin to a second home, having spent numerous sojourns in the sunshine state.

Lee White will partner Bromby in the Olympic Star class, as the pair strive to find the cohesive blend that would put them closer to the top of the heap.

"It's important for us to get as many of these world rankings regattas as we can,'' said Bromby, arguably Bermuda's best sailor. "They're only allocating 23 spots in the Olympics and one's world ranking could play a part in deciding who goes.

"We've been practising on weekends. Maybe not as much as we'd like, but we're just about to get into high gear with our training.'' Warm sunshine and a good breeze are custom for the picturesque peninsula and that as well as a quality field should present a strong test to the locals.

Familiar to the local fraternity are veteran helmsmen John Kostecki and Paul Cayard, both of whom might take the starting line among the Stars.

Kostecki and Cayard teamed to place second in the 1992 Omega Gold Cup and in addition Cayard, skippering Il Moro de Venezia , was runner-up in the 1992 America's Cup finals to Bill Koch's America3 .

Also expected is Barcelona Olympic gold medallist Mark Reynolds.

"It should be a good field,'' continued Bromby. "We're hoping to be top 10.

"The last time we went we were fifth in one of the better fields they've had, so we're hopeful of something similar this time.'' Smith, meanwhile, will take to the waters as a member of the Laser fleet.

Long known locally as probably the best small boat helmsman, Smith has designs on proving this to the rest of the world and could certainly make a statement with a strong showing.

Walker has previously competed in the 470s and appears set to do so once again.

He comes off a spectacular 1993, where he was probably one of the more consistent in terms of fleet racing and fared well during the Omega Gold Cup.

STAR MISSION -- Lee White, left, and Peter Bromby.