eight to 12 knot winds setting the stage for some intriguing -- albeit limited -- action.

Five of the nine classes saw competition on the first day -- Etchells, J-24, Laser, Tornado and International One Design (IOD) while the rest practised ahead of today when they too join the fray.

On course Alpha in the Great Sound former Etchell champion Tim Patton took advantage of the shifty conditions to place first, thus taking the early lead.

Weighing in second was Harold Dudok van Heel of Hong Kong, while American Bob Bell, using local star Peter Bromby as one of his three crew, crossed third.

Competition was close up until the final leg when Patton broke loose to win.

Brian Young emerged as the early leader in the IOD Class, taking a first and second place finish to head defending champion Penny Simmons, who was forced to settle for fifth after placing first in the 11 member fleet's initial outing.

A tie exists in the J-24 Class as Rhode Island's John Alofsin and reigning champion Michael Emery both ended on 33 points. There's also a tie for the third spot between Gordon Anderson of Canada and local sailor Jonathan Corless.

Alan Burland triumphed during both outings in the revived Tornado Class, on each occasion being followed home by Jay Kempe.

Adam Barboza, meanwhile, leads the Laser Class with one victory.

TIM PATTON -- opening race victory in the Etchells Class.