testing.

Bermuda Sailing Association president Alan McKay said yesterday it had been hoped this year's week-long regatta, beginning on Sunday, would see sailors undergo random tests for illicit substances.

If so, it would have been the first event to install on-site, announced testing of both local and foreign competitors under terms of the Bermuda Drug Free Sports Policy, which officially kicked off on April 1.

"We discussed it as late as last night,'' McKay said. "But basically it came down to there was not enough notice to advise the overseas competitors. I know the sailing association were hoping it would have been (tested).'' While International Sailing Federation rules contain a clause that allows for competitors to be tested at regattas, many sailors next week will not be representing their country, McKay said.

"But these people can expect to be tested at some point in their careers,'' he said. "Certainly we'd like to see it.'' Testing is nothing new, however, for other top sailors such as Paula Lewin or Peter Bromby.

McKay stressed that the association were firmly behind drug testing and that it would probably be in place for next year's International Race Week and others that follow. Drug education will also be part of the BSA's White's Island junior programme this summer, he added.

SAILING SLG