yard, Bill Widnall restored lost pride with two solid finishes in yesterday's races at Marblehead, Massachusetts, to take over the lead from Bermuda's Peter Bromby at the midway stage of the IOD World Championships.

Widnall, champion in 1990, took full advantage of his local knowledge of the light, shifty winds -- 8-10 -- off the coast and combined a third in the opener with a first for the second race to move onto eight-and-three-quarter points. He is less than two ahead of second-placed Bromby (101 ), who noticeably struggled with his adopted craft and the conditions during the latter race, and three in front of another Bermudian, Penny Simmons (113 ) in third.

The day had started out on a high for the Bermudians as they were one-two in the first race sailing around a `W' course with Simmons leading from the first mark on account of a splendid start and just increasing his lead the rest of the way. This left Bromby to battle it out against the rest of the fleet for second and the former just managed to scrape home in the runner-up spot ahead of Widnall.

While Bromby and Simmons struggled to adjust after switching boats for race number two, Widnall prospered, taking the lead on the final run of the Olympic course and coasting to his first win at this year's regatta. In fact, Bromby stood dead last at one point before advancing to seventh, just behind Simmons.

Also enjoying a reversal of fortune in the second race was John Burnham as he showed that the last-place finish he recorded earlier in the day was an aberration. The Fisher's Island representative trailed only Widnall with Nancy Bryant of Long Island Sound next in line. Burnham thus continues to hold onto fourth overall.

"It was a little flukey out there today and we just didn't have the boat speed,'' said Bromby, the defending champion. "The conditions were difficult to read and consequently we got on the wrong side of the course a few times.'' Bromby said that he felt that the boat he and his crew of Lee White, Malcolm Wilson, Mickey Cox and Mick Finnegan had for the last race was probably the worst of the lot and not having to use it again -- competitors change boats for each race -- would be to his benefit.

"Bill looked good and had some good boats today.

"Our boat for the second race was pretty tough, but still I like where we're standing...we're in great shape to defend. We need a couple of good finishes tomorrow.'' However, Widnall remains the focus of his attention and the Bermudian said that he views the American as his chief threat.

"We need to get on top of Widnall and dictate the race. Rather than have Bill bring the race to us we have to take it to him and make something happen.'' Racing switches to the Eastern Yacht Club today and Friday. Tomorrow is a rest day. Standings, Page 22.

PETER BROMBY -- Missed few shift readings yesterday, but is still very much in the thick of things.