Maxwell Curtis Jr up for challenge of defending Edward Cross Long Distance title
Maxwell Curtis Jr says he is “up for the challenge” of defending his title during the 77th Edward Cross Long Distance Race on Monday.
The East End Mini Yacht Club skipper finally made the breakthrough in the prestigious race last year after securing a maiden victory along with crew member Stefan Furbert in the one-design Comet dinghy.
However, the pair will have their work cut out defending their title among one of the most formidable racing fleets in recent memory.
Among their main rivals will be the the likes of multiple winners Stevie Dickinson, Rudy Bailey and Gladwin Lambert.
Also in the mix is Olympic sailor, multiple Pan American Games silver medal winner and Sunfish world champion Malcolm Smith, who is also a former winner of the 18-mile race.
“This year is going to be a lot different because I am the defending champion so the pressure is definitely on,” Curtis said.
“But I am definitely up for the challenge and looking forward to it.
“This is our Daytona 500 and everyone is out to win the race. There is not one person you can say is going to win and hopefully we get some breeze.”
Curtis and Furbert came from behind to pip multiple winner and fellow East End Mini Yacht Club stablemate Dickinson and crew Anderica Gilbert at the finish line by a mere six seconds to clinch victory in dramatic fashion after many attempts.
“That was an emotional finish for me,” Curtis added. “I have been skipper in that race since I was 11 and to win it at 34 was quite a feat.
“To beat Stevie at the line within seconds doesn’t get any better than that.
“I would never forget that finish and to come from eighth to first is unheard of in that race.
“When I rounded Fort St Catherine, Stevie and Rudy were out of sight. But it’s a long race and it’s not over until it's over.
“That’s what I probably learnt the most; even though it looks like it’s over, it’s never over.”
A fleet of around 17 boats are expected to compete in the race from the Great Sound to St George’s Harbour, with action scheduled to commence at 11am.
The annual race is hosted by the West End Sailboat Club and was first held in 1944.
Dickinson has won the race a record 20 times, with his last victory arriving in 2017.
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