Lone Bermudian Paula Lewin truly lived up to her sponsor's billing yesterday, proving to be the “Ace” in the pack - or rather fleet - as she romped to an impressive victory in the inaugural Bermuda International Women's Match Racing Championship.

Having all the hometown hopes resting on her slender shoulders, Lewin led her crew to a 2-0 sweep in the finals in Hamilton Harbour over current world number one women's match racer, Marie Bjorling of Sweden. In the semi-finals earlier in the day, Lewin and Bjorling defeated Klaartje Zuiderbaan of the Netherlands and American Deborah Willits respectively - both by 2-0 margins - to reach the first-to-two finale.

Both the winner and runner-up who took home $5,000 and $3,000 respectively earned berths in Round One of the Bermuda Gold Cup starting today.

The usually mild-mannered Lewin, greeted by a cluster of well-wishers including jubilant parents Nigel and Gabrielle Lewin as she returned to shore, allowed herself to bask in the glory, smiling and even indulging in some whoops of delight - and perhaps relief.

“It's a big deal for us. We have won on the match-racing circuit before and been ranked number one but it's nice to perform like this in our home waters and let everybody see our sailing ability. We have not been match-racing a lot so to defeat the world number one is rewarding. It feels good,” said the 31-year-old.

Lewin, who was permitted to choose her semi-final opponent by virtue of topping the preliminaries, noted that, while beating Zuiderbaan wasn't “particularly tough”, Bjorling was an entirely different prospect though the Bermudian won in successive races.

“That was really hard. We swapped the lead twice in both races. It was tricky but we managed to do the right thing at the right time. In the second race, she was leading but she opened the door for us within the last 50 yards. It was really close and we weren't sure who was going to win until the very end,” said Lewin, acknowledging the benefit of her experience of the waters and of International One Design (IOD) boats.

Crediting her crew - Christine Patton, 42, on bow; Carola Cooper, 26, in the pit; her twin Peta Lewin, turning the jib and spinnaker; and Lisa Neasham, 40, trimming the main - the skipper conceded there was pressure from home fans.

“They want it (victory) so much you feel ‘Gosh I've got to do it. I've got to deliver' but I try not to think about it too much.”

Moving on to the Bermuda Gold Cup (where she races Lars Nordbjerg of Denmark today and tomorrow), she said, would be more relaxing since she has already achieved her primary objective in winning the women's qualifier.

“It will be interesting. I think we have raced more and had some close races so I think we're more warmed up. I'm really excited to see what will happen.”

Her crew members were thrilled to be part of the history-making team. All four heaped praise on Lewin's leadership and skill.

“I have great admiration for Paula. She is a true match racer. Her instincts are geared towards one-on-one competition. When you get into a tight situation she knows what to do,” said Patton.

Bjorling also saluted the former world number one's winning form, saying it was “a good fight” which the Swedish team only lost by a couple metres. The 34-year-old said Lewin's knowledge of the harbour and IODs worked to the Bermudian's advantage.

“We could see her attacking nicely in every shift,” said the top-ranked match racer.

As for the Bermuda Gold Cup, she too said the pressure would be off her as the ranked skipper against whom she races today - Mattias Rahm - is from her sailing club. Chuckling, she noted the pressure was on him not to have to go home and say she eliminated him.