Bermuda?s Yngling sailors have surrendered any chance of a medal at the Athens Olympics.

The bitter reality followed another day?s racing at the Sailing Centre ? similar to the first two days ? which saw the Bermudians off to an encouraging start with a ninth place only to finish last among the 16 boats in their second race.

These were the seventh and eighth races overall out of 11 and skipper Paula Lewin and her crew ? Peta Lewin and Christine Patton ? are too far from the podium?s reach with 77 points. Only the Canadians on 87 points are below them in the standings.

Asked if they had now given up hopes of medalling, Lewin replied matter-of-factly: ?Oh yeah, mathematics-wise. We didn?t sail well and ended up not having a great day.?

The 33-year-old said their mission now is to leave Greece with some respectability and they will be seeking to show what they are truly capable of in the remaining three races; two today and one on Saturday.

?We?re just going to try and get out there and sail well. We?ve got to keep trying,? she declared determinedly.

Meanwhile, the battle for Yngling honours is shaping up for a nail-biting finish involving the British who lead with the low score of 22 after placing in the top five in seven of the eight races. Denmark are second on 29 and the Ukraine, third on 35. Germany (44), the Netherlands (46) and New Zealand (49) are also within striking distance should things go their way.

?Obviously it is narrowing down now. There are just a few people who could actually win a medal. The Danish and Ukrainian crews are the main opposition for us so we are looking forward to beating them tomorrow (today),? said British skipper Shirley Robertson.