in a kayak "a lot faster'' than expected.

Mr. Lines, who was raising money for a new $15,000 marine turtle tank at the Aquarium, circumnavigated Bermuda last Thursday in 9 hours, 38 minutes and 45 seconds. He had estimated the marathon would take more than 12 hours.

The 52-year-old sportsman said yesterday he could barely stand at the end of the trip and became so hot in the blazing sun he had to constantly pour buckets of sea water over his body.

But sticking it out was worth it, he said, because he raised more than $2,500.

Mr. Lines attributed finishing the voyage in less time than he expected to the "great conditions''.

Except for having to fight against southwesterly winds going up South Shore, it was smooth kayaking, he said.

Mr. Lines noted that the weather was mostly sunny during the trip, but with some cloudiness. He started at the Aquarium Museum and Zoo in Flatts at 6 a.m.

as planned, and finished shortly after 3.30 p.m.

"I really went for it,'' he said. "There were no real problems but I did start to get overheated as I was nearing Fort St. Catherine's and I was absolutely exhausted by the end of the trip.'' Mr. Lines said he was followed by a boat the whole time in case of any mishaps, and waved on at certain points by friends.

His official timer was Aquarium principal curator Mr. Richard Winchell. Mr.

Lines said he hopes his charity voyage will encourage others to participate in a round-the-Island kayak race next year and try to beat his time.

The exact amount raised is not available yet as donations are still coming in, he said. Anyone who still wants to make a donation can call the Aquarium at 293-2727.

ON COURSE -- Mr. Roland Lines heads along South Shore during his marathon kayak trip around the Island.