performance to date in the Bacardi Cup at Key Biscayne, Florida, finishing in sixth place in a race shrouded in controversy.

But it won't count as the race committee ruled that the race will have to be re-sailed after the black flag rule was in effect after eight yachts slipped over the line early, including American John Kostecki, winner of Monday's race.

The racers protested the ruling late last night and the protest committee at the Coral Reef Yacht Club decided that the race will have to be contested again this morning. That means that two races will take place today.

American John Kostecki holds the lead going into today's two races with Vince Brun second overall. Had the results stood Bromby and White would have moved to 15th overall in the standings.

Bromby, though disappointed, admitted it was a fair ruling. "The race committee decided it was an improper starting procedure so my sixth place won't count,'' he said.

"It's a fair decision and the right decision but I'm disappointed that it came in the race we did so well.

"Hopefully instead of a sixth we'll get a first. It was a tough protest to win.'' The Bermuda pair have two races today in which to continue their climb up the standings. The fourth race will take place this afternoon.

On Monday the team jumped to 27th spot at the start of the day to 22nd after the second day of racing.

"We're starting to sail better,'' he said. "This is our first real regatta and we're definitely on a positive learning curve right now. We had a good start (Tuesday) and we've really been sailing well the last two races.'' Racing continues today until Friday with five of the six races counting.