Rudy Bailey dominated a competitive fleet of international skippers en route to capturing the North American Comet Championships in Annapolis, Maryland last weekend.

The recently crowned Long Distance champion completed a five-race series - held last Saturday and Sunday - with an impressive record of three firsts and two second place finishes. There were no drops.

It marked the second time Bailey has clinched the coveted crown, having won previously in 1994.

Now with the Edward Cross Cup and a North American title in the bag, Bailey hopes to add another jewel to his ever-expanding crown - September's Comet Invitational Championships in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

Bailey seized overall line honours at the 2001 Comet Invitational Championships - also held in New Jersey.

“It was a very good experience. I was happy to go out there (Maryland) with 18 competitors; several of whom were former international comet champions. There were some big guns there in the regatta,” said Bailey, who returned home on Monday.

“With all the time and preparation I put in . . . it all worked out according to the programme,” he added.

The West End Sailboat skipper got off to a flying start on the opening day of the regatta, making a clean sweep of line honours in the first three races. Although winds diminished “considerably” on the final day (Sunday), Bailey demonstrated he could cope in all weather conditions.

“We experienced light and moderate breezes during the regatta. But I was still able to prove I can sail in any conditions,” he explained.

Bailey was accompanied onboard US-based entry, Equaliser, by female crew Emily Rogers - a young up and coming sailor from Maryland.

“It feels good! It feels as though I can still sail - even though I'm over 40,” added Bailey, who began sailing at the tender age of seven.

Now the veteran skipper yearns for more success.

“I want to win one more championship,” he declared. “I want the big one in Shrewsbury - and that's the Comet Invitational Championships. That's my next goal.”

And judging by his current form, Bailey just might be on the verge of a remarkable hat-trick.