Helmsman Heath Foggo and crew Stevie Dickinson sailed to glory in one of the most thrilling Flagpole to Flagpole Races in recent memory.

The long-distance race from Hamilton Harbour to St George’s Harbour last weekend featured six lead changes and drama near the finish as then leaders Dale Brangman and crew Keyan Webb were hit with a penalty for an infringement on East End Mini Yacht Club stablemates Foggo and Dickinson.

Despite the late setback, Brangman still managed to finish second after shaking off his penalty and was followed across the line by West End Sail Boat Club’s Gladwin Lambert and crew Stephen Maybury who placed third.

“It was a good race and good to win but Dale Brangman was really, really fast,” Dickinson said.

“Heath handled the boat very well and the communication and boat speed was very good.”

Dickinson won last year’s race at the helm of his one-design Comet dinghy but opted to serve as crew this time around.

He and Foggo got off to a good start in the light and puffy conditions and led the fleet past the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club sailing downwind.

But the lead swapped hands before the fleet reached Two Rock Passage as Mid Atlantic Boat Club’s George Hayward and crew Jaydon Smith surged ahead.

The tug-of-war at the front of the pack continued during the gybe-run through the Great Sound where Foggo regained the lead and then lost it again as Lambert sailed through him rounding Hogfish Beacon.

It was Brangman’s turn to lead as the fleet worked their way to windward down the North Shore.

Foggo eventually pulled up alongside Brangman off of Ferry Reach but was unable to pass.

Brangman was all alone out front heading towards Fort St Catherine but was reeled in again by Foggo on the beat towards the Town Cut.

A tacking duel then ensued during which Brangman was penalised for failing to stay clear of his rival who had the right of way on starboard tack and forced to complete two penalty turns that proved costly in the end.