historic victory in the World Star Class Championships off Marblehead, Massachusetts.

No Bermudian has ever won the Star Worlds, and Bromby's best-ever finish was two years ago when he placed tenth with fellow countryman Lee White as crew.

But following a sixth place finish in yesterday's fourth race to add to a second, third and sixth on the first three days, Bromby and American crew Michael Marcel continued to lead the 71-strong fleet with a total of 17 points.

However, their overnight lead of five was slashed to one after San Diegans Eric Doyle and Brian Terraar posted their third straight bullet.

They lie in second place with 18 points and are considered the favourites as they will be able to discard a 15th, registered on the opening day, when the six-race regatta concludes.

But with Americans Joe MacCausland and Phil Trinter also in contention in third place with 20 points, Bromby remained optimistic he could stay out front.

"We're still in the lead at this point and I believe we've got a very good chance of winning it,'' he said last night. "It's likely to come down to the final race.

"So far we've sailed very well. We've won four out of four starts and even in the light conditions today, which didn't favour us, we put up a good show.

"We were leading at the last leeward mark before five boats came past us on the run to the finish. But we didn't really do anything wrong. It was just one of those things.'' The fifth race takes place today and the final race tomorrow.

"It's going to be close,'' added Bromby. "Tomorrow and Friday's races are going to be crucial.'' Bermuda veteran Penny Simmons is sitting in a strong position in his quest for another world championship.

Simmons, coming off his victory in the Bermuda National Championships two weeks ago, was third after three races at the International One-Design World Championships in Rye, New York, on Tuesday.

Simmons won his first race in the ten-boat fleet before slumping to a ninth-place finish in the second. He was second in the third for 11.75 points, second behind Jon Peter Roed and David Rockefeller Jr., who were tied for first.

The sailors compete over eight races.