A fitting birthday present for Howard Simmons would be a second consecutive triumph in Monday's West End Sailboat Club's 54th annual Long Distance Comet Race from St. George's to Somerset.

But the veteran sailor, who celebrated his 59th birthday on Tuesday, knows all too well that none of his rivals are about to hand him victory in one of the Island's most competitive sailing events. And having competed in 40 previous races, he'll be well aware he'll have to earn it.

Simmons will be among a fleet of top comet sailors on the starting line in St.

George's Harbour where an armada of small and large pleasure craft will watch as the boats attempt to master a tricky course out of the channel and on to Dockyard.

Last year Simmons and crew, nephew James Thigpen, brushed aside all challengers to win in his boat of nine years My New Mary , covering the distance in a time of 2:30.20.

But this time he refuses to predict another outright win, although he rates his chances as good as the other favourites, such as Rudy Bailey, Stevie Dickinson and Byron McCallan.

Bailey was second last year in 2.32.52, Dickinson third (2.33.34) and McCallan fifth (2.36.49) behind fourth placed Howard Lee (2.35.45).

"Anything can happen out there, any one of the many veterans we have participating can come through and take the honours,'' said Simmons.

Once again Dickinson has the incentive of attempting to win the race a record equalling 11th time while Simmons goes for his fourth overall triumph.

Despite the usual enthusiasm shown by spectators, both on shore and on the water, the overall fleet could be down in numbers compared to the 30 that started last year.

Simmons, who is Commodore of the host club, noted that some regular sailors had other commitments that might prevent them from entering this year. But he believed competition would remain keen.

Some skippers prefer the route from Dockyard to St. George's rather than in the opposite direction, but Simmons says he has no real preference.

"All I can say is that it depends on the wind. If you get a good breeze, keep close to a straight line as you head west, try to avoid the waves from the spectator boats, then things could be in your favour,'' he said.

"You can draw up a plan and attempt to stick to it, but you can't always do so. Along the way it can become difficult and you have to improvise as you go, adjusting to whatever situations may arise on the way.'' Over the years, Simmons said he had tried all tactics and experienced all sorts of weather conditions. Yet he still encounters new challenges in each race and expects to do so again this year.

Officials of the club are asking that spectator boats ensure that the sailors have sufficient room to manoeuvre, so reducing the threat of a serious accident.

PRINCE OF TIDES -- Stevie Dickinson in Kitty Hawk (right) will chase Howard Simmons' long distance comet title while attempting to earn a record-tying eleventh victory in the race from St. George's to Dockyard on Monday.