Newly crowned Edward Cross Long Distance Comet Race champions Benn Smith and Christian Ebbin could potentially become rivals in the prestigious event.

Helmsman Smith and crew Ebbin dominated this month’s race from St George’s Harbour to the Great Sound, crossing the finish line directly offshore of race host West End Sailboat Club more than four minutes ahead of nearest rivals, siblings Alan and Sarah Frith.

In the aftermath of their success, Ebbin, a cousin of Smith, revealed he is contemplating competing in the race as a helmsman in the future.

“It's something I'm considering. It would be a new challenge and an exciting opportunity to test my skills,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“Competing against Benn would definitely add interesting dynamic.”

Smith agrees.

“I know Christian likes skippering, so I talked to him a little bit about it and said if you want to in the future get a Comet it will be pretty cool to race against each other,” he said.

“We have already won it racing with each other twice so the next step I guess is for him to get his own.

“I love sailing with him and hopefully we can do it together again next year, but who knows. Maybe he will want to do it on his own, which will be great for the class, great for the competition and good overall, I think.

“It's a great class to be involved in, so I hope he stays involved and hopefully we can sail together next year. But if he wants to sail by himself, then I think he should.”

Smith and Ebbin led the entire race on the way to their second victory in three years, which they achieved in 1hr 49min 32sec.

“The victory was truly a team effort and I'm proud of what we accomplished,” Ebbin said.

The Frith siblings took second in 1:52:31 and Maxwell Curtis and crew Wesley Tucker third in 1:55.

Two-times winner Gladwin Lambert, who was making his 65th appearance in the race, and crew Stefani Maybury finished fourth in 1:56:40 followed by West End Sailboat Club clubmates Quinton Simmons and crew Gregory Proctor in 2:00:30 to round off the top five.

Challenging 15 knot north east breezes took its toll as five boats among the fourteen boat fleet did not make it to the finish after suffering damage, including two with a broken mast, in the trying conditions.

Curtis and fellow East End Mini Yacht Club helmsmen Scott Fox and Dale Brangman also capsized while at the front end of the pack but managed to recover to complete the race.