organised two special events -- the `Bacardi Blast!' and `Bacardi -- Raising Hull!' Both novel events will be held on each afternoon of race days off Dockyard.

The `Blast' will feature a 500-foot timed sprint between some of the world's top tornado sailors on a spectator-friendly course directly in front of the Dockyard cruise ship terminal.

Timed results will be displayed on an electronic leaderboard and competitors will be allowed three timed runs each day to determine fastest in the fleet.

The cruise ship terminal will be set up with spectator seating and will have a speed radar at each end of the designated course.

On the final day of the regatta, Saturday, November 15, the fastest of the weekly heats will meet in a final to decide the `Bacardi Blast' champion.

On hand to commentate on the event will be Bermuda's Olympic Star class sailor Peter Bromby.

Said organising committee chairman Alan Burland: "It should be a lot of fun.

It's a bit like downhill skiing, fast and appealing, and easy to understand.

"In a moderate wind the `blast' should take no more than about 15 seconds.'' Meanwhile, a sister event, running at the same time will be the "Raising Hull'' Championship which promises to provide some amusing and acrobatic displays.

This competition is aimed at sailors who can not only fly a hull the longest, but also the highest.

And there's free drinks for those who get wet.

The Bacardi Blast is scheduled for 2.00 p.m. on practice race day (Saturday, November 8) and on opening race day (Sunday, November 9) and then at 3.30 p.m.

throughout the week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday).

The final is scheduled for 12.00 noon on Saturday, November 15.

PETER BROMBY will be on hand to commentate on the `Bacardi Blast'.

SAME STORY APPEARED IN MID-OCEAN NEWS TV GUIDE 7.11.1997 SAILING SLG