American Sally Barkow has become the first sailor to have her name inscribed on The Bermuda Trophy ? a new trophy to be awarded annually to the winner of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Women?s Match Racing World Championships, the latest edition of which concluded in Hamilton Harbour last week.

The elegant silver bowl has been presented by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and will be deeded to the ISAF.

Barkow was awarded the prize as ?keeper? trophy in a surprise ceremony at a gathering of the semi-finalists in the King Edward VII Gold Cup at Government House on Saturday night.

The award recognises her victory in the 2005 Women?s World Match Racing Championships.

Barkow and her crew of Debbie Capozzi, Carrie Howe and Annie Lush won the final 3-0 over fellow top American Betsy Alison.

The new perpetual trophy, which replaces the crystal ISAF Women?s Nations Cup which has previously been awarded to the world champion, now represents the highest level of achievement in women?s match race sailing.

?We are proud to be able to present The Bermuda Trophy to the ISAF,? said RBYC Commodore JaneCorreia.

?The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club leads the world in match race sailing for both men and women. We have presented the King Edward VII Gold Cup for ?open? match racing since 1987. Now we are putting up this women?s world championship trophy and expect it to become one of the top prizes in women?s sailing competition.

Representing ISAF at the regatta, Craig Mitchell said: ?ISAF welcomes the generous donation of this significant women?s match racing prize. The Bermuda Trophy appropriately recognises the special contribution Bermuda has made to women?s match racing.

?It will be fitting to recognise excellence in women?s match racing with this award.?