own hands.

Four years ago after the Atlanta Games, it was decided the Star Class would be forever scrapped from Olympic competition. And only fierce lobbying by its members, some of the best helmsmen in the world, resulted in a reprieve.

But again the daggers are out and when the schedule is finalised for Athens in 2004, the Stars may already have fallen.

According to sailing experts, Stars are considered the political boats of international yachting, their skippers including many of the most influential competitors in world events.

But critics, and those who want to see the class axed from the Games, argue that the boats' old-fashioned shape, sail plan and lack of spinnakers leave them without so-called "sex appeal''.

A staunch defender of the class is Australia's Colin Beashel, bronze medallist in Atlanta and one of the favourites here.

"Who cares about sex appeal,'' roared Beashel during what has been an ongoing debate.

"I mean if they want to bring in a rule saying no one over 25 years of age should be allowed in Olympic sailing, then do it.'' Beashel is just one of many successful and well known sailors who will be on the Sydney Harbour start line.

The comparatively small 16-boat fleet includes the likes New Zealand's match racing star Gavin Brady, American ace Mark Reynolds, Atlanta gold medallist Torben Grael and talented Italian Pietro D'Ali.

And their presence is expected to draw large crowds as sailing will be one of the most visible and accessible sports of the Millennium Games.

In fact, history is being made as this will be the first time Olympic events have been sailed in a working port and only the second time that sailing has been visible from the shore.

In Savannah four years ago, spectators had to take an often uncomfortable five mile boat ride offshore to watch the action.

Here they will be able to watch from either boats in the harbour and from the headlands around the natural amphitheatre of Sydney Harbour -- all for free.