Laredo, Spain with just two races left.

Bromby and crew Lee White stand fifth after four races, placing 13th yesterday in weather conditions Bromby described as "crazy'' and unlike any he had encountered while sailing the Star boats.

A bent mast caused by high winds ranging from 20-25 mph almost put the local duo out of the running and White, on the occasion of his birthday, received a dunking when he was tossed overboard during the first reaching leg.

"It was really crazy,'' said Bromby who has just finished refitting his craft with a back-up mast. "Every time we went downwind there was nothing but white water and it was tough to control the boat. I would say it was the worst I've ever encountered in the Stars.'' More high winds were forecast for today, with the remnants of Hurricane Luis creating adverse conditions.

Denmark's Michael Hestbaek won yesterday's race, but fellow countryman Christian Rasmussen leads the overall standings -- excluding drop races -- with 22 points compared to 38 for Bromby.

"Basically with two good races we could win the championship, if certain other things happen,'' said Bromby. "We're a little off the pace, but still in the hunt.''