Russell Coutts could find himself in seventh heaven but expect close competition in the upcoming King Edward VII Gold Cup.

That's the view of Dana Paxton, press officer for the event that is being held on Bermuda's waters from October 18 to 26.

Celebrating its 55th year of drawing the top sailing talent and giving up-and-comers a shot at racing against the world's best, the event will offer a record $100,000 prize purse on behalf of its title sponsor, Investors Guaranty. Competition for the coveted Gold Cup will take place on Hamilton Harbour in identically matched and supplied International One Design yachts.

America's Cup winning helmsman Coutts has won the event a record six times and is primed to go one better in 2003. But with the other seeded skippers including two-time champions Peter Gilmour of Australia, Chris Dickson of New Zealand, 2001 champion Peter Holmberg of the US Virgin Islands and Dane Jesper Radich, the reigning champion, it really is anyone's guess.

“You look at Russell Coutts and what they have done with Alinghi,” said Paxton yesterday as preparations for the event were being fine-tuned. “They were training up to the last Americas Cup and were just so far ahead in crew work, development and skill. They are sticking with the same team moving forward, so you would think that they would have a bit of an advantage.

“I don't know about the other teams and their training. I know Dean Barker is coming with his Team New Zealand team, but I would think they would have an edge just based on the amount of training they have done together.”

Paxton said she believed Islanders had a soft spot for Coutts.

“Russell has won this six times and I would guess Bermudians would have a special place for him,” she said. “But then at the same time it seems that Bermudians embrace all sailors that come here. When I look at the seeded and unseeded skippers and try and guess who will be in the final almost everybody has a chance of being right in there.”

Bermuda's Paula Lewin will set about the defence of her Bermuda International Women's Match Racing Championship title during the event.

The championship serves as a unique lead-up to the Gold Cup, with the winner and runner-up receiving an invitation to compete in round one.

The winner of the event will also be presented with the fourth Squadron Cruiser Bowl and a share of $15,000 in prize money.

Paxton said Lewin, the winner of what was the inaugural event last year and who is currently training for the 2004 Olympic Games, is ready to defend her title.

“I spoke to her on Thursday night (during the 2003 Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship in Annapolis where she finished second),” she said. “She is so confident and so relaxed. Paula and her crew just sailed so well. We had days that were really light and super breezy and she was just confident in all of them.

“Her worst score was a 22 on the first day of racing when we had 18 to 20 knots and she was so consistent at the top. Her throwout was the lowest score of all the other throwouts.

“She seems very well rested and she is spending time in San Diego right now. She was doing an Etchells regatta over the weekend, just kind of relaxing and having some fun.”

Paxton said though confident in her ability, Lewin did feel some pressure to repeat on home water.

“She said she definitely feels the pressure of being Bermuda's top female sailor,” said Paxton. “And at the same time she knows that everyone that competed in the event last time will have had the experience of being in the boats and sailing here, so the skill level will be that much higher this time around and it will be that much more difficult.”