Two-time defending champion Elliott Wislar will rest his title on the line when the 2012 International One Design (IOD) World Championship commences in the Great Sound on Sunday.The American is among the pre-regatta favourites in a star-studded field that boasts four other previous world champions, including Bermuda’s own Eugene (Penny) Simmons.Wislar has competed in numerous Bermuda International Race Weeks in the past and as such is no stranger to the conditions in the Great Sound.However, he is sure to find his work cut out against those seeking to put an end to his dominance at the Worlds.Local Sports Hall of Fame sailor Simmons is gunning for a seventh IOD World crown this year. The veteran skipper, whose last win was in 2005, is competing this year with seasoned crew Matthew Cairney, Steve Mohr, D’Arcey Betschart and Steven King.Nine-time IOD World Champion Bill Widnall who hails from Marblehead, Massachusetts could also pose a serious threat to Wislar’s bid for three successive world titles.The American is also familiar with the local waters having won the Vrengen Gold Cup five times during Bermuda International Race Week. Widnall will share the tiller with co-skipper Matt Lindblad during this year’s regatta.Three-time World Champion Charlie Van Voorhis (USA) will be a force to be reckoned with. Van Voorhis will be out to reclaim the coveted crown he last won in 2008 with a well-drilled crew.Another former champion competing this year is Sweden’s Urban Ristorp who captured the Worlds in 2009. Ristorp is familiar to the local conditions having finished runner-up to Bermuda’s Simmons the last time the Island hosted the IOD Worlds.Making their debut at the competition this year is North East Harbour, Maine skipper Fred Ford (USA) while Bermudian skipper Rick Thompson is making his third appearance.Thompson will be representing the newest IOD fleet in Chester, Nova Scotia where he qualified for the 2012 Worlds.In total, 12 crews from around the world will be represented at this year’s Championship to be hosted by Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.The regatta, to be held from Sunday to November 3, consists of nine races in which teams will be permitted to discard their worst score after six races.A total of eight trophies will be up for grabs in the Great Sound, including the Bjarne Aas Trophy which will be awarded to the eventual class champion.