Comet sailor Stevie Dickinson responded to recent criticism from perennial rival Rudy Bailey by scoring two bullets in the Great Sound on Sunday before declaring he will again be challenging for top honours in this month's Long Distance Race for the coveted Edward Cross Cup.

Last week ex-North American Comet champion Bailey publicly lashed out at Dickinson who allegedly accused the West End skipper of gaining an "unfair advantage" sailing in a lighter boat during this month's Flag Pole-to-Flag Pole Race.

But rather than be drawn into a public row with the outspoken Bailey, Dickinson let the weekend's fine performances do the talking.

Bailey didn't take part in the two-race series hosted by his own club, West End Sail Boat Club.

Dickinson and crew Martin Finegan got off to sluggish starts in both races for the Burchall Brother's Bowl and Pearl Island title, but regained their footing to capture an impressive double that put the veteran skipper in a confident mood heading into the 63rd Long Distance Race to be held on June 16.

"None of the starts I had were good but we had really good boat speed in nice sailing conditions," said Dickinson.

Dickinson, a 13-time Edward Cross Cup winner, is now keen to regain the Long Distance title he surrendered to Bailey in last year's race.

"I'm always in good stead for that race and always enjoy it," he added. "It's just nice to be out in the Comet and getting things right in the boat.

"I feel pretty good about this year's Long Distance Race, I just have to get a bit more practice in but I'm sure everything will be alright.

"I feel confident and my boat is sailing well. I think it all depends on the conditions on the actual day of the race."

WESBC stalwart and class president Gladwin Lambert and sister crew Marsha Daniels - making her first appearance in the Comets in eight years - came second in both of Sunday's races in the Great Sound, sailed light air conditions.

Former Olympian Howard Lee and crew Michelle Lindo finished third in the first race while third place in the second went to Mid-Atlantic Sail Boat Club skipper Anthony Smith and crew Jemeiko Hendrickson.