Top Bermuda sailor Paula Lewin is heading for her first appearance in a Nations Cup final after emerging victorious from a nail-biting regional qualifier in the US Virgin Islands over the weekend.

Lewin had to beat long-time rival Sally Barkow from the US in a tense three-race decider on the waters off St. Thomas to book her trip to this September?s final which will be held off Cork, Ireland.

Sailing for the first time in IC-24s ? boats similar to J-24s ? with her regular crew of Leatrice Roman, Peta White and Lisa Neasham, Lewin faced teams from the US Virgin Islands, Cayman and the USA.

After winning the first round-robin series 3-0, the veteran Bermudian then lost to Barkow in the second round-robin series for a 2-1 record and it then all came down to a three-race final against the American.

Barkow took the first race but Lewin battled back to win the next two and clinch overall victory.

?It was pretty nerve-wracking,? said Lewin yesterday on her arrival back in Bermuda. ?There were some very tricky wind changes.

?Obviously it was a test of ability but there was also a large element of luck. We?re delighted to have won.?

The Nations Cup is expected to be contested between sailors from up to 10 countries.