Martin Siese is looking forward to steering a boat for the first time in several years during the 71st Bermuda International Race Week.

The experienced sailor has replaced Patrick Cooper as helmsman of the defending champions in the International One Design Class for the regatta.

“We have several helmsmen on board the boat,” Siese told The Royal Gazette. “Patrick is the nominated helmsman but events like this we share it around between him, myself and Bill McNiven.

“I think all three of us are decent helmsman and Patrick is very kind to accommodate us by letting us have a go every now and then, it’s good fun.

“I think it’s also good for Patrick to do a little sailing from the crew perspective as well. I think it helps him out as a skipper.

“I have a lot of hard work to do. I haven’t actually been on the helm of an IOD for some time, so I am going to be a little rusty, but hopefully the crew can pull me through.”

With Cooper at the helm, the local team, which also includes Melinda Bessey, won the coveted Vrengen Gold Cup last year.

A total of 12 teams made up of sailors from Great Britain, the United States, Canada and Bermuda are competing in this year’s regatta, featuring past Bermuda International Race Week and world IOD champions.

Siese and crew are among the title contenders, which also include the highly decorated Bill Widnall and Peter Wickwire.

American Widnall, who is also sharing the helm with Charlie Richter, is a nine-times IOD world champion and is representing the Marblehead IOD fleet in his first appearance in the regatta following a lengthy hiatus.

Canadian Wickwire of the Novia Scotia IOD fleet has enjoyed considerable success here, winning the regatta four times with his last triumph arriving in 2018.

This year’s fleet also features helmswoman Sandy Yellott of Nantucket Yacht Club. She is competing with a crew that includes Jim Marshall, the Olympic bronze medal-winner and former America’s Cup 12-Metre tactician.

“There’s a lot of good sailors in the fleet, so we are going to have to be on our game,” Siese added. ”We will have to sail fast and sail smart, but I think we have a great team.

“I think we are certainly capable, it’s just a matter of whether we can put it together on the day. There is a lot of breeze. so it’s going to be quite heavy, which might help us.

“I am actually looking forward to it. Some time on the water will do me good at the moment, so whatever happens I am going to have a good time I’m sure.”

Racing in the IOD fleet begins on Sunday and concludes on May 5.

The J-105 class, featuring local helmsman Trevor Boyce, Adam Barboza, Mark Coultier and Keith Chiappa, is the only other class competing in the regatta, with their entire series taking place on Sunday, with all races taking place in the Great Sound.