Association administrators and drivers that resulted in commodore Craig Burt temporarily resigning his position, Sunday's Esso Around the Island Race -- weather permitting -- could go a long way toward restoring the sport's lost lustre.

A new hardened policy has been adopted to combat participants who failed to assist in the often menial, but necessary, duties that will ensure the survival of the sport and those refusing to take part now risk severe punishment.

"The Around the Island Race is the biggest spectator event in the Island, it's bigger than Cup Match, everybody comes out for the race, but drivers are going to be responsible for things like the set up as well as helping to take things down at the end of the day. If they don't like it there's also the potential that they might lose their place because of it,'' said Burt yesterday.

"Just like any business operation everybody has to work together in order for it to be successful. Hopefully attitudes will change and many have changed since we've had our problems. We've had more and more people come out and help.'' All boats will be scrutinised by officer of the day Scott Johnson to make sure they meet all marine and port regulations as well as those set down by the association and any racer not meeting them will be ordered out of the race until they do so.

Still, Burt was optimistic with regard to this year's contest and said that spectators can expect a "wide open'' affair.

Burt, who will be contending for Class C honours while partnered with brother Alister, added that all indications pointed to a competitive and exciting day of racing in the glamour event on the racing calendar.

"As long as everybody's equipment holds together it should be a competitive race in all the classes, because most boats are pretty much running the same speed,'' said Burt.

"Everything is pretty much falling into place, we have a few boats that have entered, a few extras that have signed up this week. Most are in the D Class, one is Don Basden, who raced in the S Class last year and the other is Paul Rodrigues, who raced last year as well, but he has a new boat, a 22-foot progression the same as (defending class champion) Patrick Stamper.'' Of the 28-boat fleet the commodore indicated it to be quite strong, although he was hopeful of bringing the number closer to 30 as has been the case during previous occasions.

Many interesting duels are taking shape, especially in the A Class where several craft have changed hands.

Regardless, Burt said that each are capable of similar speeds and it will ultimately come down to driver ability.

Andy Stoneham and co-pilot Ascento Russell grabbed line and C Class honours last year in 41 minutes and 16 seconds despite losing their skag along South Shore and looks to be the target everyone will be aiming for.

"Last year luck fell on his side to tell you the truth, but that's what boat racing is,'' said Burt. "You could prepare as much as you can. I mean you can go through every nut and bolt, but they're made by man and something can break, so luck plays a part in it as well. So if your luck holds out and you come prepared and ready to race then you can do well.

"He's (Stoneham) only raced once this year, but obviously he won it last year so he starts out as favourite I guess...we have to chase him and knock him off the throne.'' Meanwhile, the expected onset of Tropical Storm Felix and it's accompanying high winds could cause a rescheduling of the race if conditions prove to be difficult.