when International Race Week gets under way tomorrow.

But unlike last year, where the Bermudian entered as an overwhelming favourite, Bromby and his crew expect quite a battle to retain the championship this time around.

"We've proven to be quite beatable this year,'' said Bromby, "whereas last year we started the season strong and were peaking heading towards the Olympics.

"This year we've been playing at it and not working as hard, but we are enjoying it more.'' Bromby has spread his racing among various classes of boats, competing in the Lasers, Etchells 22 and Stars, where he and Lee White finished just outside the top 10 at the Bacardi Cup earlier this year in Florida.

To this end Bromby may have difficulty readjusting to the IOD boat, an issue that has him duly concerned.

"Racing in so many different boats probably has had a negative effect as all require different starting techniques,'' said Bromby, who has added Cindy Young to his crew in place of Mick Finnegan. "It hasn't been a year where I have had my better performances and I may be a little out of form going into (Race Week).'' Challenges can be expected to come from American Ken Drewry, who has former world champion Bill Widnall as crew, Bill Shore and another local Jordy Walker.

Bermuda is in the minority among the eight-member Tornado fleet, having three entries, led by Glen Astwood.

Astwood hopes to keep the title rooted on the Island and certainly has the chance to do so with defending champion Alan Burland not entered and runner-up Reid Kempe likewise skipping the event.

A number of United States and English entries complete the list. Nick Duffy, who sailed for Bermuda last year, has opted to fly the English flag this time around, and figures on an interesting week of action.

"With the overseas entrants we really don't know what to expect,'' said Duffy, sailing with Martin Bolton as crew. "The local competition hasn't been as good as it should be (recently), with the Kempes and Burland and (Chris) Nash.

"But it makes it exciting and gives everybody a shot...it's wide open.'' Loaded with talent is the Snipes class, which features no less then four previous winners, including defending champion Henry Filter of the US.

Sam Mollett, Bill Buckles and Jerry Thompson -- all Americans -- are the others to have hoisted the trophy and stand determined to do so again.

For Bermuda there is Malcolm Smith -- second last year -- and Stevie Dickinson, both world-class competitors in their own right.

Other notables are Peter Commette (US) and Norway's Birger Jansen, here on his second visit to the regatta.

Racing gets under way tomorrow morning at two venues. The IODs, Tornados, Etchells 22 and J-24s race in the Great Sound, while the Snipes, Sunfish, Comets and Lasers take to waters off from the Spanish Point Boat Club.

PETER BROMBY -- Active in several classes.