continued yesterday, as the 29-year-old Bermudian won the fourth race, for his second consecutive triumph and third in four tries.

Unlike the previous day, where blazing skies and light breeze combined to produce little in terms of excitement, Tuesday saw a wind and rain-swept course greet the combatants, forcing each into an all-out battle for survival.

Low visibility required the use of the compass as the major navigational tool, with the course markers cloaked behind the streaming raindrops, and the fleet appeared to engage in a glorified game of "follow the leader'' as they charted their paths.

Penny Simmons carried that banner for much of the race, leading for the most part until overtaken by the resourceful Bromby on the final upwind leg and being nipped at the finish.

"We had a few problems with the jib sheet, which got away from us, causing us to lose time and that allowed Peter to come in a pass us,'' explained Simmons, whose second-place finish moved him to third place in the standings on 17 points, 123 behind the first-placed Bromby.

Meanwhile, American Jim Bishop rebounded from a dismal eighth-place finish in the second race on Monday to place third, putting him second overall at 16 points.

There were indeed a few casualties on the day, as Mother Nature proved most unkind to her seaworthy friends.

Falcon , the navy blue craft being skippered by Norwegian Ulf Ulriksen, was the first, requiring major repairs when her spreaders became twisted.

And, once under way, nine-time champion Bill Widnall watched as his spinnaker halyard block became dislodged early in the race and then on the final leg suffered more severe damage with the breaking of his forestay, which precipitated his withdrawal.

Widnall -- like Martin Siese, who had a breakdown on Monday -- will have to wait to find out his point allotment and position. The Marblehead representative had occupied second place overall prior to the day's events.

It was certainly a day for those who could endure heavy seas and one of those, Simmons, said that this may have benefitted the local crews.

"We've raced in these type of conditions a number of times,'' he said. "The rain makes it messy and the wind hinders control ... it was normal heavy weather sailing.

"The Bermudians are probably more adept at it because we experience it quite often throughout the year, but the people from up north may not be as used to it.'' Still it appears that Bromby has found a groove and Simmons admitted that it would be difficult for anyone to beat him.

The former has been beaten just once in 10 outings since a match race loss to William White in the first race of the Bank of Bermuda Cup and shows little signs of letting up.

Said Simmons: "I have my doubts (about Peter being beaten). As long as he stays out of trouble, remains safe and sails smart, as he has, I can't see it happening.

"He looks well on his way. I take my hat off to him.'' Two races are scheduled for today, with action taking place in the morning and afternoon.

TOP CREW -- Peter Bromby's associates dealt with yesterday's conditions the best.