International Race Week yesterday, when he waltzed away with the Tornado title.

Such was the dominance of Astwood throughout the week that he did not even bother to sail the final race of the series, instead electing to use it as his throw-out.

The championship had been virtually secured on the second day, as Astwood won the first four races and needed only maintain a top-three placing in the ensuing outings. To this end he was second and third in races five and six, leaving the rest of the fleet to battle amongst themselves for the remaining spots.

Larry Rosenfeld of the United States wound up second, one-and-three-quarter points behind the Bermudian, after recording two firsts and four second-place finishes, to go along with his lowest result -- fifth.

Third went to Briton Nick Duffy, who recovered following a slow start and worked his way up the standings.

Also, seeing action on what was a light day -- as far as the number of races -- were the International One Designs (IOD) and the lingering question continues to be "what has happened to Peter Bromby?'' Although second overall in the just completed `A' Series and having not placed lower than third in any one race -- aside from being disqualified in race three, a race he thought he had one -- Bromby has not been able to put together a complete effort in any one race.

The local legend has suffered particularly from sub-par starts -- a point emphasised yesterday when he was over the line early -- forcing him to have to make up ground on ensuing legs.

He has compensated by excelling on the windward and leeward legs, utilising superior boat speed and knowledge of the conditions to full advantage, but by his own lofty standards has not been at his best.

While supporters may worry, Bromby said that he felt comfortable in his position, but today would be key.

"So far I think we've been consistent,'' said Bromby, defending the overall title for the third consecutive year. "We're the only ones who've not been out of the top three so far, so I hope at the end of the week that's going to be the thing that comes through for us.'' "It would be nice to get a little better start and if we can get a lead in the race I think in all likelihood we would be able to hang on, but we just haven't been able to get to the front so far.

"Once we're able to break clear we'll be on our way I think. If not we'll just hang in there and try to keep those top-threes coming. Last year's event had Bromby easily winning the opening series, placing third in the `B' series, and cruising to the overall title.

However, this year he is faced with a much stiffer challenge from the array of overseas competitors.

Said Bromby: "It hasn't been easy going it...maybe in the past you've had one or two good players in the race, this year there's probably three or four good players in there and that makes it a bit tougher.'' Thus far there have been four different winners among the fleet, with Englishman Giles Peckham recording his first victory yesterday, with a fine end-to-end effort. Henry Mettier likewise produced his best showing, finishing second followed by Bromby.

John Alofsin continues to be the lead the competitive J24 Class, registering his fourth race win yesterday and extending the margin to six-and-a-half points over fellow American Brit Hughes, who one the day's first race.

"We have five very good people on board who have sailed J24s a lot and we've approached it with a real team effort,'' said Alofsin, a veteran of at least six world championships. "Sound tactics, navigation and great crew work have all combined to make us successful and put us in this position.'' HANGIN' LOOSE -- Larry Rosenfeld and Amy Drinker sail to second overall in the Tornado Class during International Race Week.