Championship in Morton Bay, Australia...literally.

The local had gotten as far as the reaching mark when fellow competitor Geoff Davidson collided with Patton, causing a 10-foot separation between the deck and hull.

Davidson had been fouled by Ian Bashford, who was disqualified along with Tom Stephenson, and was deemed to not be at fault.

Most extensively damaged was Patton's craft, Morning Glory , and ship-wrights were working through the night to have it in shape for tomorrow's race -- today is a lay day.

"We had a pretty bad start, but were going well and had sailed ourselves into the mid 20s of the fleet when it happened,'' said Patton.

Despite the forced withdrawal -- officially termed a YMP or yacht materially prejudiced -- the picture was not one of "doom and gloom'' for Patton as he will receive a points allottment equal to the average of his placings in the next five races.

"It's not as bad as it looks,'' noted Patton, who has Brian Hillier and Nick Kingsmill as crew. "Actually it's okay because there are some advantages.

"If we do well people won't know our score until the end.'' Australia's Ian Murray won yesterday's race in two hours, nine minutes and 52 seconds, just ahead of Colin Beashel (2:10:05) and champion America's Cup skipper John Bertrand (2:10:10).