Peter Bromby began the defence of his Bacardi Cup title yesterday but, just like last year, he will have to overcome a disappointing opening day.

Bromby and crew Martin Siese are in 19th position going into day two in Biscayne Bay, Florida.

Last year the pair failed to complete the first race but finished 10 points clear of the field after the five rounds were completed. As a result Bermuda's Olympic sailor remains in confident mood.

"It's sounds bad but it's not really," said Bromby. "A lot of the top guys have had tough days today. The positive side of it was that we were running in the top seven boats all the way round.

"On the last run the wind got very light and we were on the wrong side of the incoming breeze and we went from fourth at the last mark to 19th at the finish."

The race was sailed in eight to ten knot winds in conditions Bromby described as "just light of average".

A total of 99 competitors from as far afield as Europe, Brazil, Canada and the US are taking part in the week-long regatta which will see the victor take home the prestigious 2002 Trofeo Bacardi.