That was the topic addressed by Royal Bermuda Yacht Club commodore John Thompson at the weekly Hamilton Rotary Club meeting yesterday.

And the answer was relatively straight forward ... with a good boat, an able crew, and huge cheque-book.

In June, Thompson served as one of three helmsman on board Buddy Rego's Frers 41 sloop, aptly named Tsunami -- Japanese, meaning tidal wave -- which captured A Class honours in the biennial race.

He recounted the 600-plus mile voyage across the often tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, where crew members constantly battled the elements, while striving for a specific goal ... first place.

Thompson jokingly referred to boat owner Rego as "skipper/cheque signer'' for the expedition.

"One would get very little change out of about $15,000 for entering a relatively small 41 foot boat with eight people on board in a race that took just over 80 hours,'' Thompson told an attentive crowd at the Hamilton Princess.

The amount would take in the preparation required to properly rig the craft, its delivery and food as well as other extras involved with taking part in such an event.

"There are, in my opinion, three main elements to preparing for a race such as the Marion to Bermuda or the Newport to Bermuda,'' said Thompson. "These are, crew selection, crew training and boat preparation and delivery.'' A competent and compatible crew were needed for an ocean race where several individuals have to co-exist for an extended period of time.

The navigator was said to probably be the most important crew member, with the cook a close second.

To this end Thompsom singled out Ralph Richardson for his fine work in plotting an effective course and Mark Hanneberger for his work on the stove, preparing meals that would both satisfy the palate and provide energy for the day's chores.

"The job of cook is undeniably the least exciting and most difficult,'' Thompson said. "If you don't believe me try cooking a three-course meal with your kitchen angled at 45 degrees and you'll get an idea of what it's like.'' Extensive training was needed in order that everyone be totally familiar with every aspect of the boat and their personal duties.

Thompson noted how he had enjoyed this year's event and took great satisfaction in the fact that Tsunami took on the "big boys''...and won.

JOHN THOMPSON.