Peter Bromby's bid for a second success regatta victory in Miami was temporarily put on hold yesterday.

The Olympic sailor along with crew Martin Siese did not take to the water after the course was hit by bad weather.

It means that everything hinges on today's final round of races for the Bermudian pair, currently second in the Star Class standings.

Marc Pickel of Germany leads the regatta with Bromby and Siese just three points adrift.

Barby McGowan, spokeswoman for the event, said there had been a drop in the wind and the area had also experienced rain and lightning.

“The reports indicate there should be a freshening breeze this evening that will last for tomorrow,” she said. “As tomorrow (Saturday) is the final day they are planning to start an hour early.” Speaking from Miami, Bromby said he felt in good shape for the final assault on the title.

“We should get three races in and we have a got a very real shot of winning,” he said.

Meanwhile, fellow Bermudian sailor, Paula Lewin, dropped to ninth position overall during Thursday's Yngling class racing.

With crew of sister Peta and Lisa Neasham Lewin recorded finishes of fifth, 12th and 10th. After dropping the 12th placed finish, Lewin's total of 47 points was enough to keep in the top ten in ninth position.

Brett Wright also slipped down the field, this time in the Laser class. Going into the final day he was 52nd, down one place, after 39th and 51st place finishes. He failed to finish the third race of the day.

In the Volvo Ocean Race, SEB made a determined move towards the south, altering her course by 20 degrees and even passing across the track of illbruck as the race heads towards Cape Horn.

In the north Amer Sports One hung on to slightly more breeze, but News Corp overtook her and held the position of race leader. djuice, News Corp and Bermuda's Tyco remained protective of their positions to the south.

Tyco made the decision to head south as reported by her navigator Steve Hayles a few days ago.