Bermuda's Peter Bromby was among 34 sailors who were penalised with maximum points (63) in the final race of the Star European Championship 2003 yesterday.

This left the 39-year-old in sixth position overall with 36 points as Brazil's Torben Grael, who won yesterday's race, celebrated victory with the regatta's low score of 14 points in Cascais, Portugal.

Dutchman Mark Neeleman was second with 17 points and Colin Beashel, third, on 33.

No explanation was given on the regatta website about what occurred in the sixth and final race for so many of the 62 competitors to have incurred the penalty.

Zander Kirkland and Paula Lewin will be pitting their wits against the world's best in Spain next week.

The Bermudian pair are due to compete at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Olympic Sailing World Championships in the Laser and Yngling Class respectively.

Kirkland, who recently competed at the Pan-Am Games in the Dominican Republic, begins his competition on September 18. A total of 11 races are scheduled with six in three qualifying rounds and a further five in the finals.

Lewin, with crew of Peta Lewin and Carola Cooper, begins her racing this Sunday and follows the same format as her compatriot.

Meanwhile, Bermuda's Tim Patton is scheduled to take part in the 2003 Etchells World Championship. The event is being held on the waters off Greenwich, Connecticut from September 18 to 27.

Patton's crew on BER1249 consists of Robert Billingham and William Thompson.