The Bermuda team led by Rockal Evans is facing an uphill battle to qualify for the next phase of the Star Sailors League Gold Cup.

The Privateers finished last of four after being forced to withdraw today in Grandson, Switzerland, following on from a third-place finish in the opening race yesterday. That leaves Bermuda five points adrift of group one leaders Antigua & Barbuda and four shy of Puerto Rico.

Only the top two countries will advance to the next phase in October and Bermuda, particularly in the opening race yesterday, began promisingly by showing the opposition a clean pair of heels in the early stages.

However, a handling error saw them cede their advantage to Puerto Rico before they were also passed by Antigua and had to hold off Tahiti to avoid the wooden spoon.

The second race in breezy conditions was far more decisive, with Antigua showing far superior speed from the outset while the other three battled for positions.

Tahiti broke clear of Bermuda and Puerto Rico to finish second in isolation.

Evans’s crew appeared set for third having led Puerto Rico for much of the fourth and fifth legs, but withdrew on the final downwind leg to allow the Puerto Ricans to take third and gain a crucial extra point. Bermuda gained no points as a result.

Antigua are top with seven points, Puerto Rico second with six, followed by Tahiti on three and Bermuda on two.

In fleet two, Ireland and Estonia are level at the top on seven points apiece, followed by Serbia on three and Belgium on two.