begin final preparations for their part in the Games which commence July 25.

The 470 duo of Blythe Walker and Ray DeSilva will join Star representatives Peter Bromby and Paul Fisher as well as the Kempe brothers Jay and Reid, with Europe Dinghy sailor Paula Lewin arriving a few days later.

While the others -- except for Walker who remains in Europe -- have been on the island gaining much needed rest after roaming throughout the continent taking part in several regattas, Lewin continues to be active abroad. The squad's lone female is currently in Slovenia racing in the Open World Championships. She finished 13th Monday in the regatta that runs through July 12.

When contacted yesterday, national sailing coach Chuck Millican stated that Lewin may well raise a few eyebrows in Spain.

"I think that Lewin could be a major surprise,'' said Millican, scheduled to leave today. "She's a `dark horse'...they (competitors) won't be looking for her and she could place high, especially in light winds.'' Undoubtedly the Island's best hope for a sailing medal rests in the hands of Bromby, the reigning World and Bermuda International Race Week IOD champion.

He and Paul Fisher will carry the flag amongst the Star fleet.

"If we have a good regatta we have a real chance,'' said Bromby, looking forward to once again representing his country on the international stage.

"And if we have a bad regatta we may come 15th, but we'll definitely be in with a chance for a medal.'' Millican echoed that opinion saying the duo should certainly be in the top third despite not having done any Star racing since the World Championships in Cadiz, Spain.

"They adjust quickly and I see no problem with regards to them being prepared,'' said Millican.

In addition to sailing regularly in local waters, racing in anything from IODs to Etchells just to stay sharp, Bromby has also spent endless hours working in the gym which is important considering the demands the Star boats put on their helmsmen.

"We still have a lot of work to do when we get over there (Barcelona),'' said Bromby. "We'll spend eight hours every day in the boat for the next two weeks.

"I enjoy it (sailing Stars). It's a very different and physically demanding boat and you really have to be in the right grove to sail well in it.'' Bromby noted that the Star class comes loaded with talent and it will be tough going.

"It is a very hard class...very competitive. The Star class tends to breed the world's top sailors and it really intrigues me to be racing against the best''.

The Kempes, meanwhile, have been practising against the best Bermuda has to offer with perennial rivals -- and 1984 Olympians -- Alan Nash and Chris Burland serving as their training partners. However, Millican is anxious to get all of his team together in one place for the final push and stressed that all of them remain focussed.

Said Millican: "I'd like to see more racing for some of the sailors, but they'll each get the chance to get back into the swing of things once they arrive in Spain, Saturday.

"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people. The key word for the team is `focus'. They can do well if they don't get caught up in the hype of the opening ceremonies and the like.'' Lee White will also travel to the Games as assistant coach and boatwright.

Competition for the sailors starts July 27 and five `Olympic circles', each of a two-mile diameter, have been mapped out for the various classes.

FAST MOVERS -- Tornado duo Reid and Jay Kempe.