into yesterday's races -- endured a miserable day on the water, but clung to the overall lead in the boys single-handed division at the Nautica World Youth Sailing Championships in the Great Sound.

Ainslie was 11th and 13th yesterday, but since sailors are permitted to drop their worst finish, the youngster was still perched on top of the leader board on 15 points with Phillip Buchert of Germany a close second on 16 points.

Tied for third was Joao Signorini of Brazil and Gustavo Lima of Portugal.

Jesse DeCouto of Bermuda had a strong 19th place finish in yesterday's last race and has now climbed to 32nd place in the 37 Laser fleet.

Bermuda sailors fared better in the double-handed classes with Duncan Simons and crew Kevin Zuill having their best day yet in the boys division with 10th and 13th place finishes. The pair are currently in 21st place, but are poised to make their move today.

The Australians dropped to sixth overall after a premature start with Nicholas Rogers and Pom Green maintaining their lead. The New Zealand team skippered by Luke Prokopavicius are in second with France in third.

In the girls division locals Nicki Crane and crew Charlotte Watlington, competing in their first international regatta, also enjoyed a good day with a pair of top 10 finishes.

In the girls second-handed division Petra Niemann of Germany regained the lead, moving ahead of Kiri Wong of New Zealand. In third place is Efi Mantzaraki of Greece.

Megan Spurling of Bermuda is in 18th place after finishing 16th and 19th in her two races yesterday.

Amir Levinson of Israel leads the boys boardsailors while Amelie Lux remains in first place in the girls division.