preparing for an all-out assault at next month's Nations Cup qualifying in Savannah, Georgia.

The Georgia regatta is one of six groups worldwide that sees the top two from each becoming eligible for the finals, to take place in Holland later this summer.

Bromby, the reigning world International One Design champion, and his three-member crew of Lee White, Dennis Correia and Christine Campbell will test their abilities in the J24 design boats against some of the best yachtsmen in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

A double round-robin followed by a knockout series is the format used for the competition, which is of the match racing variety where the skippers race one-on-one.

In 1991, with Bermuda serving as host, the 29-year-old maestro lost out at the final hurdle to Peter Holmberg of the US Virgin Islands, who went on to finish second at the finals. This after Bromby had won the round-robin phase and had his choice of opponents.

The final was won by Ed Baird, a frequent visitor to the Island, most recently during last year's Omega Gold Cup.

Although having limited success to date in the event, combined with he and his crew's unfamiliarity with the type of boat used, Bromby is optimistic of his chances.

"Certainly our goal is to make the finals in Holland,'' said Bromby, presently in the market for sponsorship to this and other world events. "I think I have just as good a shot as anybody.

"The experience gained in the Gold Cup last year should serve us well.'' Bromby gave particular credit to New Zealand's and yachting legend, Chris Dickson, for pointing out some of the finer points required to do well in match racing.

National sailing coach Chuck Millican is also helping with preparations.

"We will be a bit strange to the J24s as none of us have really had much time in these type of boats,'' said Bromby. "They (J24) are really responsive, they turn in their own length and spin very quickly.

"It may take some time getting used to them in the pre-start manoeuvres.

The last time Bromby sailed the J24 in an international regatta was at the Central American and Caribbean Games a few years ago and while not winning, he more than held his own, thus the current optimism.

In addition to the chance to qualify for the finals, this meet gives the Bermudian an extra opportunity to fine-tune his match racing prior to the Omega Gold Cup and also allows him a glimpse of the site of the 1996 Olympics.

However, prior to the Nations cup there is a not so small task that is the Marion-Bermuda Yacht Race.

PETER BROMBY -- Goal is to make it to the finals in Holland.