with Europe the latest to feel the Bermudian's wrath at the European Spring Championship Regatta.

Yesterday saw Bromby take to the waters of Lake Starnberg, Germany, in his rented Star craft with crew Lee White and at the end of the day the pair stood a remarkable fourth among the 69-boat fleet after placings of ninth and 11th in the opening pair of races.

However, the results could have been much different as Bromby was dogged by bad starts in both outings, forcing him to come from behind.

The first race saw the lanky Bermudian 50th at the first mark, but a major resurgence was effected as he cut a swath through the competition for a final top 10 place.

A similar script evolved the next time out, but to Bromby's benefit many of those who performed well in the opening race suffered drastic reversals of fortune and his consistency was duly rewarded.

"We were quite happy with our showing today,'' said Bromby from Tutzing, Germany. "We're one of the more consistent teams.

"We got tied up a few times and had a couple of collisions, but nothing serious.

"The Europeans tend to be very hostile, especially at the start, and have a blatant disregard for the rules and at the Olympics they would probably be sent home for the things they do.'' Bromby has 20 points to trail leader and home town favourite Hans Vogt, Jr.

(four points), who had first and third-place finishes on the day.

In second was Michael Hestbaek (five) while Hans-Otto Engel (14) stood third overall.

Racing resumes today with two more races scheduled in the seven-race series of which six will count.