maintained their hold on first place in the Bacardi Cup regatta in Miami, Florida, after finishing second in yesterday's fourth race.

With two races remaining today and tomorrow off Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove, the Bermudians are all but certain of realising their ambition of a top 15 finish among a high-quality field.

Defending champions Peter Wright of Chicago and Greg Cook of Minnesota are poised to challenge Bromby and Wright after taking fifth place yesterday. They are technically tied with the Bermudians, who have 21 points overall, with the throw-out race taken into consideration.

So, too, in contention are Canada's Ross MacDonald and Bruce MacDonald who recorded their third straight third place after a disappointing 25th to start.

But in second place now are Howard Shiebler of San Francisco and Tom Olsen on 25 points after yesterday's first-place finish.

Shiebler and Olsen pulled away from the 65-strong fleet after a tight start and were rarely bothered, although Bromby briefly held the lead.

Conditions were the heaviest thus far with the seas at 12 to 15 feet.

"It was quite a dogfight until the run when the leader broke away,'' recalled Bromby yesterday. "I was a comfortable second until the last leg when I had to hold off MacDonald.

"With two races left we need two good finishes to be in the top six. Barring disaster we should be in good shape.'' This regatta is playing host to the current world and Olympic champions, as well as the Olympic bronze medallists and a number of other top sailors from 15 countries.

American Mark Reynolds was sixth yesterday and is now sitting 16th overall with 84 points while America's Cup star Paul Cayard is fourth overall (32) after a ninth-place finish.

PETER BROMBY -- Local sailor, above, along with partner Lee White, are still first in Florida.