True to her name, a well-known Bermudian yacht has been waging and winning some staggering battles in the Mediterranean Sea among larger vessels.

Warren Brown's War Baby landed seven prizes, including the coveted Grimaldi Trophy, in the month-long Prada Challenge for Classic Yachts which began on September 1.

The event involved four individual regattas in different ports plus a three-stage regatta between those ports. It is for the latter competition that the Grimaldi Trophy is awarded annually. While Brown and his crew did not win any of the three races their second, third and seventh-place finishes collectively landed them the big bounty.

What makes their result more commendable is that, unlike the individual regattas which have class divisions, all the boats compete as one fleet for the Grimaldi Trophy.

"Frankly we were quite surprised to have won it," said Brown chuckling. "You have to be in all the regattas to have a chance at that (the Grimaldi Trophy). We didn't win any of those races at all but our performances were very consistent."

In her division - Classic Yachts - War Baby also shone with victories in Monaco Classic Week in Monaco and the Royal Regatta in Cannes, France, while finishing second in the Prada Veteran Boat Rally in Sardinia and in Les Voiles de St. Tropez. However, there are protests outstanding against the winning vessel in St. Tropez for using illegal sails and full-length batten so Brown could end up with a third triumph.

"The boat is 32 years old and still going very fast. We knew we would do well provided we didn't foul out or we didn't lose gear but it's because of all the crew work and working together and being careful that we managed to come out okay," noted the 74-year-old owner who had an inkling of what was to come given a solid showing in part of last year's Prada Challenge.

"I was surprised that we got through this series without damage and without running into problems. We sailed consistently (well) and that's what counts in racing.

"You don't have to get a first (place) in every race as long as you're up there in the front."

As for the competitive spirit among the skippers, Brown said sailing "in those areas is a gentleman's sport and you try and stay out of protests and try and avoid hitting boats" because a lot of them are very old and large.

"Some of them were built over a hundred years ago and are 110 to 130 feet.

"You know, much bigger than mine, and they are tacking in front of you. They may not be able to get out of your way, especially in the Grimaldi Trophy when we are all racing at the same time."

Among those joining Brown for various parts of this unforgettable excursion were Malcolm Kirkland, Reid Kempe, Jay Kempe, Chesley White, Paul Doughty and John Wadson. As tokens of gratitude for their contributions, Brown presented some of the trophies won to crew members.

Now back on land after four months away - and with War Baby docked in Cogolin, France, for the winter - he is uncertain of his next voyage or whether he will defend his title in 2004 with the 61-foot, aluminium boat.

"I've been away so long that my wife wants to keep me at home. She's probably quite right. So I think I'll be here for a while. Keep myself out of trouble," said the avid seafarer who has been sailing since he was seven.