friend and rival Glyn Charles, missing and presumed drowned in the ill-fated Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race.

Mr. Bromby and Mr. White had been firm friends with Briton Charles over the past six years, since they first competed against each other in the Bacardi Cup in Miami.

Mr. Charles and his girlfriend stayed with Mr. White when he came to Bermuda just two months ago to compete in the Gold Cup with fellow Briton Andy Beadsworth.

Rescuers gave up their search for Mr. Charles last night, 48 hours after he was washed off his yacht the Sword of Orion into 30-feet waves as high winds turned the race into a fight for survival. The 33-year-old was one of two sailors to be still missing, while the bodies of four sailors have been recovered.

Mr. Bromby, who first learned of Mr. Charles' fate from the story in yesterday's Royal Gazette , said: "He was extremely likeable and everybody enjoyed his company and he was also a fierce competitor who was sailing mad.

It's hard to believe he won't be around any more.'' Mr. White, who spoke by telephone yesterday with Mr. Charles' English girlfriend Annie, said: "It's always terrible when you hear of these things, but when it's someone you know, it's hard to take in. I just keep hoping someone will call and say they've found him alive.'' SEE SPORT ON PAGE 13