but disappeared in the Massachusetts fog yesterday.

Having led the championships over the first four days, Bromby and American crew Michael Marcel posted their worst finish so far -- a 14th -- dropping them into second place in the 71-boat fleet.

And that result combined with Americans Eric Doyle and Brian Terraar's second place, on the heels of three firsts, means that Bromby would now need almost a miracle in today's final race in order to overhaul his rivals.

"I think we've got a great shot at second overall if we can maybe finish in the top six,'' said Bromby from his Marblehead base last night. "But realistically victory is probably out of reach.'' With each of the sailors allowed one discard, skipper Doyle will look for a strong finish today allowing him to throw out the 15th place which he registered on the opening day.

Bromby's hoping yesterday's race, sailed in light and foggy conditions, will prove to be his worst of the regatta, allowing him to discard it.

Having held a five point lead after three races, and a one point lead after four, Bromby enters today's finale trailing San Diegan Doyle by 11 points -- 20 to 31.

Official standings, however, weren't available last night.

"It just wasn't a good day for us today,'' added Bromby. "We got off to a poor start, our worst of the week, and just had to try and work our way through the fleet. At the end, we were quite happy with 14th.

"At the first mark we were 35th, and slowly came back.

"But the conditions were light again, which don't suit us. The forecast for tomorrow is better, between 10 and 20 knots, but so far the forecasts haven't been too accurate, so we'll have to wait and see.'' Bromby's best finish at the Star Worlds was 10th two years ago when he had fellow Bermudian Lee White as crew. He now appears certain to improve on that placing.

PETER BROMBY -- slipped from first to second after yesterday's penultimate race in the World Star Class Championships.