class of the Nations Bank International Regatta in Savannah, Georgia, on Thursday after high seas and strong winds forced a premature finish.

The Bermuda pair were actually leading after four races following a successful protest, but against some of the top sailors in the world they slipped back in races five and six.

The pre-Olympic regatta attracted a crack fleet of 31 boats, including many who will be back for the Atlanta Games next year.

At the top of the standings after race four, Bromby and White won the start in race five but then lost their lead half way up the first beat, and ended up in 11th position.

In race six, they suffered a broken spelling pole and were unable to finish.

As a result of the DNF and the cancellation of races seven, eight, nine and ten -- called off because of worsening conditions and the threat of Hurricane Erin -- they dropped to eighth overall.

But those who finished ahead of them were all recognised among the world's best.

First place went to American Vince Brun, a two-time world champion, and second-placed Enrico Chieffi of Italy has already secured his place on the Italian Olympic team for next year's Games.

Brazilian Torben Grael, who finished fourth, is a past world champion while Mark Reynolds of the US, who finished one place ahead of Bromby in seventh, was the 1992 Olympic gold medallist in Barcelona.

Noted Bermuda national coach Chuck Millican: "I'm very happy with Peter and Lee's performance. They've moved into the upper group of the top Star sailors in the world.'' Meanwhile, other Bermuda sailors are still competing at the regatta, including Pan-Am Games bronze medallist Paula Lewin who as of yesterday was still awaiting her first race in the Europe Dinghy class. Also still waiting to compete were Laser sailors Malcolm Smith and Christian Luthi as well as 470 class entrants Elizabeth Walker and Megan Spurling who have set their sights on a place in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Finn class sailor Mickey Berkeley finished well down the fleet among 47 boats.