as another chapter was added to the legacy that is Peter Bromby.

The Bermudian displayed the mark of a true champion, storming back when all appeared lost to win the final race and retain his IOD World Championship yesterday.

Bromby coasted across the finish line 40 seconds ahead of hometown hero and nine-time champion Bill Widnall to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The 1992 Bermuda Athlete of the Year had entered the seventh and final race lying third overall behind fellow Bermudian Penny Simmons and Widnall after trailing home the pair -- Simmons was first and Widnall second -- in the sixth race and knew that he needed to come first or second and be ahead of Widnall as well as hoping that Simmons did no better than fifth.

But Bromby made it all academic as he seized the lead at the first mark and never relinquished that position the rest of the way despite the attention of his chief rival Widnall.

`Lady Luck' was also in the 28-year-old's corner as Simmons had drawn the slowest boat in the fleet Elektra , which had not finished in the upper half all week. Bromby suffered his worst placing in the craft on Tuesday -- seventh -- and despite summoning his vast array of sailing knowledge Simmons could do no better than sixth yesterday.

"It's -- Elektra -- been a bit of a problem,'' said Simmons, a previous winner, who nevertheless was satisfied with he and his crew's performance.

"We did the best we could with it. It just wasn't good enough.'' But Bromby was, and he took particular pride in the fact that he had beaten Widnall on his home turf.

"The second time is even better than the first, especially up here in Bill Widnall's own backyard.

"To beat a nine-time world champion is nice.'' However, the young Bermudian felt the pressure early on in the day and had serious doubts about his chances as he struggled near the back of the fleet during the penultimate race.

"Everybody on board's hearts were beating pretty fast knowing the situation,'' said Bromby, crewed by Malcolm Wilson, Lee White, Mickey Cox and Mick Finnegan. "This morning we felt like we were losing it when we stood second to last. And looking at the second run the world championship seemed over for us, but getting back to third set it up for us heading into the final race.'' Indeed, both Bromby and Simmons sat well behind during the latter stages and just as Bromby surged to third, Simmons likewise pulled out all the stops. He chose the ocean side of the course and found a helpful windshift that carried him past everyone to capture his third win of the series.

On hand to witness Bromby's thrilling triumph, which further consolidates him as Bermuda's best, was his fiancee Carol Madeiros as well as a host of other locals.

"Every time she comes it's nitty gritty time where the pressure is really on,'' said Bromby."I must put her through hell having her watch me in those pressure situations.'' As for next year he said that he will be definitely shooting for victory number three, especially with Bermuda hosting.

Bromby and crew return to the Island tomorrow. PHOTO PETER BROMBY -- Pulled out all the stops when it mattered for a second successive world championship.

PENNY SIMMONS -- Had to settle for third after finishing sixth in the final race.