officially came to an end this week.

BOC Challenge race officials said the South African whose 40-foot Protect Our Sealife was dismasted last Tuesday, conceded in a shoreside message that he is unable to continue the race and was hanging up his sea boots "for now''.

"Making progress. Hope to be in Port Elizabeth by week's end,'' Mr.

Petersen's message read.

"Believe not much can be done before New Year. Means no chance of getting to Sydney in time for restart. I asked more of my boat than I had built her to give. She has given me 99-percent of my requests. Most important, she has kept me alive in troubled waters. I hang up my sea boots for now. I have not failed. I have not succeeded. It's time to regroup my resources and strengths and in 1998 I will campaign to finish what I have started.'' Mr. Petersen stopped in Bermuda in September on the first leg (South Carolina to South Africa) of the gruelling four-leg race. Local residents rallied to help him get on his way, offering groceries and help in repairing his boat.

He lost his mast off South Africa in a violent storm.

ROD, REEL STOLEN CRM Rod, reel stolen A fishing rod and reel were reported stolen from a 28-foot cabin cruiser which was moored in Jews Bay.

Police suspect other boats moored in Jews Bay and Riddell's Bay may have been entered and they are asking boat owners to check their boats and report any incidents.