Long Distance Comet Race for an unprecedented 10th time on Monday, the talented champion could be severely tested by two sailors who have made names for themselves in other classes.

Malcolm Smith and Paul Fisher are expected to be included in a fleet of 21 challenging for honours in the 50th running of the race for the Edward Cross Trophy.

The race will start in St. George's Harbour at 11 a.m. and finish off the West End Sail Boat Club in Dockyard.

Smith and Fisher will join Rudy Bailey and Gladwin Lambert as the sailors tipped to give the champion a run for his money. Smith is no newcomer to event having placed third in his first attempt and second in his second before missing out last year when the event conflicted with his marriage.

Fisher will be making his first appearance but, like Smith, he is a seasoned sailor who has established himself in other classes. Fisher has teamed up with Peter Bromby and competed internationally in the Star Class and is a current top performer in the Etchells and Lasers Classes.

Smith has had a lot of experience racing both Lasers, Snipes and Sunfish.

But Dickinson's stiffest competitor could well be Rudy Bailey once again.

Bailey finished second in Temptation last year, coming home in 4:44:45 behind Dickinson's winning time of 4:41:32 -- a race that featured slow times because of almost non-existent winds over much of the course.

Bailey has had a good year so far having just conquered the Flag Pole to Flag Pole Long Distance from Hamilton to St. George's, beating Gladwin Lambert into second place.

During International Race Week Bailey was third behind Lambert and the American winner.

One of the features of the event this year will take place at the conclusion of the race when Mr. Edward Cross, the man who made the first cup for the event, will be on hand to presentat the trophy to the winner.