Ben Wicks was knocked off the top spot at the Byte World Championships after a disappointing day out on the water yesterday.

Competing in New Jersey, Wicks had gone into the day with a two point advantage over his nearest rival after second and fifth placed finishes the previous day.

However, he was not able to repeat the feat and could only cross the line 18th and 21st in the two outings subsequently dropping to sixth overall.

Wicks is one of six sailors from Bermuda taking part in the event, the others being Pat Humphrey, Dick Tulloch, O'neal Lindsay, Lisa Spurling and Marion Watlington.

Team manager, Michael Wicks, said there was a two hour postponement in proceedings yesterday because of a lack of wind.

When sailing did get underway race one was held in winds of three to six knots and race two in five to 10 knots. Of the seven races so far, five have been in breezes of less than 10 knots.

"The very light winds are taking their toll on all members of the team," said Wicks. "A team that has much potential in heavy air, even in moderate winds.

"Guys like Wicks and Tulloch are carrying 35-50 lbs over most of their competition and in these light conditions it makes a big difference."

Wicks said there was a possibility conditions could change for the rest of the week, but he was not too hopeful. He said there was a high sitting over the area and temperatures were nearing 100 degrees.

"The hope remains for a sea breeze which, this week, just won't kick in," he said.

Tulloch dropped to 21st from 19th after finishing 55th and 41st.

Lindsay, suffering with a leg problem, is in 35th place after 24th and 53rd place finishes while Spurling is in 50th after she crossed the line 64th and 61st.

Humphrey is 52nd after placing 57th and 59th, while Watlington is 59th after her 61st and 56th place finishes.

In Cork, Ireland, Brett Wright finished 69th in the silver fleet at the Laser World Championships.

Wright had a disappointing time at another regatta hit by unfavourable weather.

Brazilian Robert Scheidt took the overall honours for a record breaking fifth world title.

@rh18bold:QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Sometimes you just don't want to show up on the court, and some days you don't want to be there, and sometimes you don't want to perform."

- Bermuda-based tennis star Pat Rafter, explaining the reasons behind his wish to take six months off from the ATP Tour. Story on Page 15.