them in solid position to challenge Venezuela's Eduardo Cordero after the second day of the Sunfish World Championships.

Cordero, however, held on to first place overall on five-and-a-quarter points after adding another first place finish to go with the two he picked up on Monday. He has also recorded a third place finish.

But it was Smith who stole the spotlight when he captured first in yesterday's first race. Smith -- with first, second, third and fifth place finishes now under his belt -- is tied for second place overall with Bruce Mahoney of Texas. Each sailor has 103 points.

"The fifth place finish was sort of a letdown since I was sailing in third for most of that race,'' Smith said.

"But (Cordero) is a really tough sailor and he seems to be sailing well in all conditions. I just have to get a little more aggressive on the start line.

I haven't really come off the line really clean yet. But if I get a couple of good starts and get the jump on him, well, that's basically what I need (tomorrow).'' The good news for Bermuda didn't stop there since Lewin, with a first place finish in Division C yesterday, is now in third place overall on 153 points.

Lewin later had fifth and fourth place finishes to go along with a sixth from opening day, putting her in a good position to challenge for first overall.

"It was probably the perfect breeze for me because I'm quite light,'' said Lewin, participating in her first event. "I could hold the boat and I got good speed.'' "I'm really happy, but there are a lot of races still to go and things can change so quickly. You never know, but with a few of us being pretty consistent right now I'm sure one (Bermudian) will do well.'' With several sailors completing only three of six qualifying races so far, others, like former champion Bruce Sutphen, could still have a final say on who challenges Cordero.

Donnie Martinborough, a multiple Bermuda International Race Week champion, also has raced only three times.

Stevie Dickinson has been sailing well with sixth, fourth, and second place finishes.

Racing continues this morning from Spanish Point Boat Club with the first race scheduled for 10.00 o'clock.

Malcolm Smith