of the highest order on the penultimate day of International Invitational Race Week yesterday.

Unlike Tuesday, where a lack of wind severely curtailed activity in the Bacardi-sponsored event, yesterday's stiff breezes and blazing sunshine made for a fast track and swift manoeuvring between competitors.

"Today was an example of why we race sailboats,'' said Tim Patton, who despite failing to win a race in the Etchells class, thoroughly enjoyed the outing. "I just can't remember such a great day. The race committee did a great job, all the volunteers were super, the competition was fantastic, and any visitors that were out there today will all be back next year.'' Certainly it would appear that Patton and all but one other Etchells competitor will have to wait until next year if they harbour any hopes of claiming the class prize. All except Peter Bromby, who once again put the fleet to the sword with a pair of first place finishes -- although one was deleted last night after both he and American rival John Kenerson were both disqualified.

A protest was lodged by Kenerson after the first race when Bromby's spinnaker grazed the finish mark following a luffing duel between the pair. But last night the race committee decided to disqualify both men.

The Bermudian didn't deny having touched the mark, but argued that he was forced into doing so by Kenerson's refusal to yield right of way.

"I think his concern is that we hit the mark at the finish, which we did,'' explained Bromby (seven points), "but when you're being forced into the mark by another boat ... he's luffing you inside the two boat-length circle then you're entitled to it.'' Bromby on brink of title From Page 17 For his part Kenerson (17) was unsure as to whom actually had right of way, although at the time of the incident there was not much doubt among the American's crew who vocalised their thoughts loud and clear.

"There's a little bit of discussion about overlap or no overlap and all I have to say is I don't know,'' said Kenerson afterwards, bearing no ill-will.

"But basically things lightened up at the end and he had some good pace on, which allowed him to get up level with us, get a little puff. But the main thing that it came down to was room, whether there was overlap or no overlap, it was just another close finish.'' Had the protest been thrown out, Bromby would have walked away with the title as only one race remains today. But even after the DQ, only a final race disaster can seemingly deny the Bermudian.

A much closer battle exists among the International One Design fleet, where Maryland's Courtenay Jenkins (22.75) is leading the charge for the Vrengen Gold Cup, holding a slim three point lead over Bruce Dyson (25.75), who already has the `A' Series to his name.

Jenkins recorded a third and a fourth yesterday to overhaul Dyson, who endured a disastrous first race that had him place eighth.

Seven races have revealed six different winners, with yesterday presenting Charlie Van Voorhis during the first outing, and Jan Petter Roed, the only multiple winner, in the next.

"This has been a lot of fun and I hope to do well again tomorrow,'' said Roed, an all too familiar sight at International Race Week and a former winner. "But I'm 70-years-old now, so I don't know how I will actually do out there.'' Sean McDermott (14) all but wrapped up the J-24 Class with another outstanding day, finishing second and first, while nearest challenger Don Wagner (19.75) had a first and fifth.

Among the dinghy classes Brett Wright (8.5) saw his Laser class dominance take a hard hit as Todd Olson (9.5) sprinted to a pair of bullets, forcing the Bermudian to settle for second and third.

Malcolm Smith (five) held his ground in the Sunfish, alternating wins and runner-ups with Donnie Martinborough (8.75) of the Bahamas.

Finally headed among the Snipes was Stevie Dickinson (five), who seceded the second race to Canada's Ian Brown (9.75), after capturing the first.