and Rudy Bailey, Sunday's Long Distance Comet Race (11.00 a.m. start) could spring a surprise winner, according to race spokesman Gladwin Lambert.

Bailey and Dickinson have long engaged in a fierce rivalry both in the media and on the water, with no love lost between the pair.

Defending champion Dickinson enters this year's event on the threshold of an historic 12th win, one which would take him ahead of the late Alton Millett and give him the most titles ever. Bailey, meanwhile, is a six-time winner and, after proclaiming himself the favourite a year ago, fell victim to a false start from which he never recovered, placing third.

Yet Lambert, second in 1999 and a former two-time victor, told of a possible scenario where the private duel could prove a boon for others in the fleet, himself included.

"I feel that I do have a chance, especially looking at the fact that I was second last year,'' said Lambert, who will carry Gregory Proctor as crew on the two-man dinghy. "I always seem to be in the top six... "The hope is that Rudy and Stevie will get into a battle against each other, which could give other people a chance to sneak through if they fail to keep track of the rest fleet, because there are other people that are capable of winning this race on any given day. It's just that Rudy and Stevie have dominated the winning.

"Byron McCallan has always been in the running. This guy's been second, third, fourth...he's always in the running and I feel it won't be long before Byron McCallan gets his turn as a winner. He has the capabilities, a good boat, is a fine sailor, it's just a matter of time that he gets his first Long Distance win.'' Continued on page 15 Comet race expected to be open Continued from page 13 Other names put forward as possible contenders include 1997 champ Howard Simmons, as well as veteran campaigners David Wall and Howard Lee.

Meanwhile, relative youngster -- and former Dickinson crew -- Scott Fox has also been seen to be knocking on the door and Sunday could provide a very revealing break-out opportunity.

Still, the fact remains that Bailey and crew Fred Bulford has been in dominant form aboard Temptress among the western fleet, while Dickinson has been similarly unparalleled while sailing Millett's Kitty Hawk at the east end.

With the race starting in St. George's -- it will finish at West End Sailboat Club near Watford Bridge -- one key element will be getting out of the harbour with boat intact and in reasonable position.

"It is important to get out of St. George's Cut as soon as possible, if not in the lead,'' said Lambert, who estimated that there would be around 21 boats at the start.

"Because of there being so many boats and the normal winds being south-west, it normally creates quite a bit of congestion, with the boats very close together and it is a real job to get out through the cut if you get caught up in that.

"After that we'll single out heading towards Fort St. Catherine and it becomes tactical heading along North Shore, where it is up to the skipper to make a decision on which course to take. Some guys go close to shore, others go way out and some come up the middle, it's all down to the skippers to decide where they will get the best wind.'' Competitors will be competing over an approximate 18-mile distance for the Edward Cross Trophy, which was donated by the well known cedar-craftsman and comet racer in 1945. And, unlike previous years, the prize presentation will take place immediately following the race.

Comet stars: Defending Long Distance race champion Stevie Dickinson (right), pictured with veteran sailor Colin Clarke.