BERMUDA'S Peter Bromby is in great form in the Pre-Olympic Regatta in Athens after the second day of racing on the Olympic course.

Bromby and crewman Lee White, who have already qualified for the 2004 Olympics in the Star class, are currently in gold medal position after four of the 11 races scheduled.

The duo had two consistent races yesterday placing third and fourth and they now hold a six point lead over the German Marc Pickel, with the Dutch team another point back. Lurking just behind them are previous Star World Champions Torben Grael from Brazil, Paul Cayard from the United States and Iain Percy from Great Britain.

Andrew (Dog) Palfrey who is the Bermudian Team Leader helping out with the sailors in Athens, said yesterday: "Peter and Lee had two great starts and were well placed at the top mark first time in both races. To be consistent on this race track is no small feat. The shifts in the breeze direction and the changes in velocity are massive. It requires a cool tempo. There is a long way to go in this regatta, but the boys are in great shape." Palfrey said the weather in Athens was very hot - in the mid-90s - and very dry.

"The wind today was similar to yesterday (Wednesday). It was out of the north (off the land) at approx eight to 14 knots. There was a period of delay as the sea breeze fought the land breeze which is known locally as the Meltemi. As forecast, the northerly land breeze won that battle."

The Stars and Finns shared course Delta, with the Bermuda's Paula Lewin and the Yngling fleet forced to wait ashore for four hours until the course was open. Palfrey said: "The organisers are paranoid about too many boats on the course. I think this is an over-reaction, as we regularly sail in fleets of 60 to 80 boats and this event has less than 20 boats in each class."

Lewin was still out on the course after Bromby and White had finished their racing.

Lewin is sailing with her sister Peta and Carola Cooper. The Ynglings have a day off today, while the Star class continues although they have their rest day on Saturday.