TOP local Comet sailor Rudy Bailey recently returned home minus some excess baggage!

Venturing overseas earlier this month to defend his North American International Comet Championship on the placid waters off Stone Harbor, New Jersey, the veteran sailor eventually came up short in his bid to retain his crown as American Dick Harmon went on to capture this year's regatta with an impeccable performance of seamanship.

Remaining in contention after sailing to three second-placed finishes with just two races to go, Bailey saw his final chance for a second successive championship disappear as his American rival fared far better in the unseasonably light wind conditions. "I was leading the last two races, and they were sizeable leads, but I got stuck in a couple of the holes (no wind) out there and (Harmon) just sailed by me. He just drifted across me on his own private whisper of breeze."

Harmon, who has previously sailed on local waters, then applied the finishing touches to his masterpiece by winning the regatta's final two races to put the result far beyond the Bermudian's reach - though Bailey insists he could've still won the overall regatta.

"Actually he won five races, but if I'd have won the final two races, then I would have captured the series," added Bailey.

"Conditions were mostly light and super shifty - not typical of what you'd expect over there this time of year, but right up to the very end I still could've won."

Sailing away to victory during this year's Long Distance Comet race with daughter and crew Danielle, on this occasion the veteran was without his young, promising crew member and had to compete with American Brian Widdiz on board instead.

"Unfortunately, she decided to go shopping," he quipped. "I had to sail with another kid from the Shrewsbury Yacht Club (Widdiz)."

With this year's Flag Pole to Flag Pole Comet race now expected to be put off in favour of the more popular Around the Island powerboat race on Sunday, already, Bailey has set his sights on what he hopes will be a more successful 2003, kicking off with the defence of his International Race Week crown early next year.

"Well the next thing now is to continue the development of my daughter (Danielle) and maybe begin a few preparations for next year's International Race Week."

And despite relinquishing his crown, he's also pleased, by his own admission, to have secured second place honours sailing amongst some of the best the US has to offer in the Comet class.

"I'm satisfied with my performance overseas. We sailed very well and very smart, but in the end we just had a few bad breaks," added Bailey.