The Bermudian slipped from first to third in the standings following a ninth place finish as the pair of Ross and Bruce MacDonald produced a masterful performance in the Bay of Biscayne to move into a commanding position at the top.

"We have a realistic chance of winning this thing,'' said Bromby last night, who will finish no lower than fifth. "Our confidence is just growing, this is a real good feeling for us.'' Ross MacDonald, the Canadian 1992 Olympic bronze medal winner and 1988 star Class World Champion, utilised a great start and was able to maintain his position all around the 101 mile course for an impressive victory.

The bullet was his first of the week -- he also had three third place finishes and a 25th -- but could not have come at a better time.

Currently MacDonald has 10 points compared to 14 for the second place pair of Peter Wright and Greg Cook and 17 for Bromby and his crew, Lee White.

Lurking in fourth overall is 1992 Olympic gold medalist Mark Reynolds.

The ninth place finish for Bromby was his second worst result of the week in front of the 13th he placed in the second race.