local wizard sailing to five wins from six races held yesterday in the seafaring town of Savannah, Georgia.

The only blemish on the record was yet another loss at the hands of nemesis Peter Holmberg of the US Virgin Islands, but the combined results gave Bermuda a share of second place with the US on eight points -- one behind Holmberg -- with two races left in the second round robin phase against Canada (six points) and Barbados (one).

Counted among the day's victims were Canada, Barbados, Mexico, Netherland Antilles and the US.

Four will go through to the knockout stage, but the leading country gets to choose their opponents for the semifinals, which makes winning all important.

"I'm quite happy with our performance so far,'' said Bromby after a long day on the water. "Everything's coming together and we're gaining momentum as the regatta moves on.

"We just need to sharpen the pencil and go at them again tomorrow.'' His main concern was Holmberg, who after forcing a penalty on Bromby at the start during the previous day of action, was again able to get an edge leaving the line.

Meanwhile, Paula Lewin guided her all female crew to a 1-1 record during the first round of action in the women's division in the same J24 craft used by Bromby.

The local sailing ace defeated a team from the United States in her second race, but a premature start against Canada proved crucial earlier in the first, leaving Lewin and her crew of Leatrice Roman, Susan Gardiner and Peda Lewin to bemoan what might have been.

Once again light air and strong undercurrents played a major part in the outcome.

Still Lewin was confident heading into today's second phase of the round robin.

PETER BROMBY -- Won five of six races at Nations Cup yesterday.