lead in the points standings, as Bermuda Fitted Dinghy racing continued at St.

George's Harbour yesterday.

After finishing a disappointing fourth in the first race -- their lowest of the year -- Tim Patton and his crew regrouped in time for the second to edge Bloodhound , skippered by Billy McNiven, for the Middleton Shield. In fact less than 35 seconds separated the first five boats.

Under 15 knot winds, Bloodhound led the fleet through the first two legs, which contained some anxious moments when Challenger and Contest III (Hugh Watlington) both nearly capsized, getting caught in the swells from spectator boats. Challenger , though, recovered beautifully and by the end of the second windward leg had taken the lead for good.

However, the final results are still in doubt with Echo's skipper Martin Siese said to be pondering a protest against the winner for an incident in that race.

In the day's opening race, Siese and his men hoisted the E.R. Williams Cup, making it look easy as they cruised home several boat lengths ahead of Contest followed by Victory IV and Challenger. Echo led from beginning to end although Contest made a late charge that fell short.

Not faring so well were Elizabeth II and Bloodhound who both sank putting them out of the running. But with a two-race total of six the latter was able to move out of the cellar ahead of Elizabeth into fifth place. Bloodhound now have 18 points from nine races while Elizabeth with three points yesterday stand one point further back.

Protests pending -- Contest were protesting Challenger over the first race -- Challenger continue to head the standings by a healthy 131 -point margin. Echo are second, just a half-point in front of Contest followed by Victory in fourth.

Full results: E.R. Williams Cup 1. Echo 2. Contest III* 3. Victory IV 4. Challenger II Elizabeth II (DNF) Bloodhound (DNF) Middleton Shield 1. Challenger II 2. Bloodhound 3. Contest III 4. Echo** 5. Elizabeth II 6. Victory IV * Contest protesting Challenger ** Echo considering protest against Challenger