Bermuda's Peter Bromby tightened his grip on the Star class in the 2003 Rolex Miami Olympic Regatta yesterday, winning the day's lone race among his fleet in the USA.

In addition, a protest was upheld in his favour regarding a race on the first day which saw him being boosted from eighth to sixth place.

This double dose of good fortune means the Island's leading skipper continues to be the front-runner in the quest for top honours in the Star class. Widening his advantage over his 67 rivals significantly, Bromby boasts a mere 25 points from four finishes (sixth, seventh, 11th and first), with American Paul Cayard a distant second on 49 points. Cayard's compatriot, Vince Brun, is third on 50 points.

Light and fluky winds in Florida's Biscayne Bay proved an additional frustration to sailors who endured a two-hour delay before taking to the water. However, an undeterred Bromby prevailed to put him a step closer to his goal of recapturing the title he took home in 2001. Cayard was 13th and Brun, third, to propel themselves up the standings.

"We've been fortunate in these light conditions to have consistent races, especially with the good sailors here. The list goes on forever," said Bromby, who has Lee White as his crew.

However, Bermuda's stellar showing in the Star segment of competition did not carry over to the Yngling where Paula Lewin is shouldering the Island's hopes.

She had another miserable time, falling from 15th overnight to 20th out of a fleet of 24 after five races.

Her day could not have begun worse with a penalty for a premature start in the first of two races. She then placed tenth in her second race.

Meanwhile, Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Jody Swanson jumped to the top of the Yngling standings with second and fourth-place finishes in yesterday's races. She now has 20 points while her fellow Americans Betsy Alison (22 points) and Carol Cronin (29 points) are second and third respectively.