The 2008 fitted dinghy season begins in St.George's Harbour tomorrow when Royal Bermuda Yacht Club's Contest III will be gunning for a sixth successive Heritage Trophy title.

After claiming overall season honours last summer, Contest underwent a major refit during the winter months and will again be helmed by skipper Somers Kempe who has now pinned his hopes for success on a younger crew.

"We've got new faces on the boat this year and have definitely lowered the average age," said Kempe. "We have had two good practices and tested some new things on the boat which seem to be working well. We did a lot of work to the boat and replaced a lot of things that were showing signs of wear and tear. It was the first time the boat has been overhauled in 17 years."

Among the new faces on Contest this year is Laser sailor Rockal Evans, grandson of Comet legend and former Olympian Howard Lee.

"Rockal has been doing great. He's got a good tactical mind and is very agile on the boat, which is good," Kempe added. "He is also tall and so he will be able to hike really well."

Contest will also defend the Leon D. Fox Cup during tomorrow's season opener, hosted by St.George's Dinghy and Sports Club.

Host fitted dinghy Victory IV, helmed by Micheal Oatley, is the defending Anniversary Cup champion and has been impressive during practice in the lead-up to tomorrow's regatta.

Sandys Boat Club entry, Challenger II, could also be thick in the hunt under the watch of veteran skipper Martin Siese as well as Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club's Elizabeth II.

Racing begins at 11 a.m. with Governor Sir Richard Gozney on hand to present the trophies to the winning skippers.