"I guess I've spent too much time in the office," said Holmberg, the number three ranked skipper in the world.  "It took a little encouragement from some of our supporters here in Bermuda to kick us into gear, but after we were given a stern lecture by them, we got of the canvas and came back with two wins in the final races."

Holmberg and Green had tangled in like circumstances last year in this regatta, and once again it took the Virgin Islander to pull himself out of desperation to advance. After winning the first race fairly easily, Holmberg changed boats with Green and then slid behind 2-1 in two very close races.  After the third race, the skippers switched boats again and then Holmberg exhibited the skill that has brought him to the top echelon of match race sailing.  Atthat point, Holmberg simply put on a racing clinic for the young Briton, causing his opponent several penalties and sailing away with the clear advantage.

Holmberg tuned up yesterday in the Bermuda Commercial Bank Regatta, a sponsor-driven practice session for the seeded skippers, by beating current America's Cup winner Russell Coutts of New Zealand. 

Holmberg will meet Markus Wieser of Germany in the Quarter Finals.  Wieser had a hard time with qualifier Andy Beadsworth of England, barely scraping through at 3-2.