Grand Final in Holland.

In yesterday's opening round of competition the Bermuda team, led by skipper Peter Bromby, who is ranked 60th in the world, finished with four wins and a loss.

There was a lengthy delay due to the lack of wind and constant shifting of the wind, as the first group did not finish sailing until 3.30 p.m. However, the day eventually went well for Bromby and his crew of Lee White, Dennis Correia and Christine Campbell.

Bermuda have an identical record to France but top the standings because they defeated France, whose skipper Bertrand Pace is ranked 12th in the world, in head-to-head competition.

The good showing on the first day gives Bermuda an excellent chance of qualifying for the semifinals on Saturday, which will involve the top two teams from each group after tomorrow's second round of racing.

"In the first two races (against France and Great Britain) we were a little nervous but once we got rid of the jitters we sailed a lot smoother,'' said Bromby yesterday. "We need to improve our starts as we only won two of the five starts today.'' Bermuda's hopes of a perfect opening day was spoiled by their loss to Great Britain who are skippered by Andy Beadsworth, ranked 34th in the world. Also in Bermuda's group are Peru, Sweden and US Virgin Islands. Great Britain had three wins on the opening day and Peru two.

Bromby said last night he thought the French were probably Bermuda's toughest opponents on the day, even though it was the British who handed the Bermuda team their only loss yesterday.

"He (French skipper) didn't cover us on the last run and we got by him by probably two feet,'' said the Bermuda skipper.

"In the race against Great Britain I have only myself to blame. He had a penalty to do but the advantage I had I gave right back to him. We didn't capitalise.'' When racing resumes tomorrow Bromby thinks another four wins will see the Bermuda team through to Saturday's semifinals. "We need four out of five, which would definitely put us through to the semifinals,'' Bromby said.

"Three could probably do it but I couldn't say. We have had our share of good fortune. This is a big regatta with a lot of big names. We're ranked bottom of our group so to be top, I'm quite pleased with that.'' In group I, hosts Holland showed their familiarity with the conditions by winning all five of their races while Australia picked up four wins in their opening round of matches. Holland are skippered by Roy Heiner, who is 11th in the world ranking, while Neville Wittey, world number 43, is the skipper of the Australia team.