Peter Bromby is hungry for more success after the splendid achievement of a fourth place finish at last year's Olympic Games in sailing's Star Class.

The freshly crowned Bermuda Male Athlete of the Year continues to strive for excellence, with gold in Athens 2004 chief on the priority list.

However, he will have to continue the quest for glory with a new partner, Lee White having exited stage right to be replaced by Martin Siese, a boyhood friend of Bromby and fellow Sandys Boat Club product.

White's departure was revealed during Thursday night's Sports Awards Ceremony, this after he and Bromby had competed as a seemingly inseparable tandem for the last decade.

"We've been a partnership in the boat for 10 years and this year was our highlight with the fourth at the Games, so it's a bit of a sad occasion that we won't be going on together, with Lee being replaced with Martin Siese for the upcoming four years,'' said Bromby, who along with Eugene (Penny) Simmons stand out as veritable living legends among local circles.

"I couldn't have asked for a better partner over the last 10 years than Lee, and I'm certainly thankful for the service he's given. We've had a lot of good times and fond memories, we've competed hard and accounted ourselves well ...'' Nevertheless, as one chapter closes so does another unfurl, and Bromby expressed confidence that Siese will be able to adequately fill the shoes left by White, and that the pair can achieve great heights on the international stage.

"If you remember, Paul Fisher was there with me in the beginning, for the first four years when we went to Barcelona and Lee then took over from Paul,'' said Bromby.

"And, to be quite honest, I feel we're in better shape now than we've ever been. Lee leaves us in great standing, where we're in a good position in terms of what we've learned about the boats together, now we hope that Martin can fill his shoes ... because I think he's got some big shoes to fill.

"But I also think I wouldn't have asked Martin if he wasn't up to the task.

It may not be right away that we enjoy great success, it may take some time, but hopefully in a year's time we'll be up to the standard that Lee leaves us with.'' Continued on page 31 Bromby still hungry for success Continued from page 29 For his part Siese is keen, willing and able, as he enters with credentials not so shabby, although he will have to adapt to the secondary role of crew from his more accustomed position at the helm.

A veteran of the local International One Design fleet, Siese carries a host of local accomplishments and is well respected locally.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to sail at the top level that Peter and Lee's been sailing at for some time,'' said Siese, who has had his share of battles against Bromby both as a junior among the Sunfish fleet, to the IODs as a senior. "It's sad that Lee's had to bow out, but at the same time it's a great opportunity for me to get a chance to sail at their level.

"It's going to take quite a bit of time and commitment, I'll need to get quite a bit fitter and learn the boat, because I've never sailed in a Star, but Peter has expressed his confidence that I can pick it up.

"We have a bit of time to get it together, get some time in the boat and sailing together and see how we get on.

"I don't think I'll bring a lot different to Lee. Lee's put a lot of time on the water, the only thing different to Lee that I probably bring is that I've done a lot of helming and may be able to contribute on the tactics and thinking along similar lines to Peter.

"They say sometimes it's not good to have two helmsmen in a boat, but sometimes it does help when you're working out tactics and what you're going to do, even if it's just to reinforce Peter's decisions.'' First up will be the Bacardi Cup in Florida, where Siese's introduction to the Star boat is set to take place on the way to the start line.

The situation is a forced one due to work commitments denying Bromby the time to get away earlier for practice in advance of the regatta.

Still, the lanky Bermudian has not been idle since Sydney, having excelled in three events since barely missing out on a podium finish.

He was second at an IMS Class race in Key West, Florida, and then teamed with Aussie John McCauslin for a Star Class regatta, which they won, beating Olympic gold medallist Mark Reynolds, and, reversing roles for the Etchells Mid-Winters, Bromby guided his craft to a 10-point margin of victory, beating the likes of sailing legend Dennis Conner into second place.

"I said before Sydney that I felt we could always compete, and always thought that, and after Sydney I know we can compete,'' said Bromby. "That's primarily the difference that I've seen in the only three I've done since then -- it's bred confidence.'' Olympic heroes: Long-time sailing partners Peter Bromby (rear) and Lee White.