First year skipper Martin Finegan was all smiles after winning his maiden Long Distance Comet race yesterday, beating veteran Rudy Bailey to the finish line at the West End Sail Boat Club.

The new kid on the block sailed last year's winning boat, Kitty Hawk, to victory from St. George's Harbour to Somerset, and was assisted by 15-time and defending champion Stevie Dickinson who crewed the boat.

Dickinson retired from racing last year after winning back his title that he lost to Bailey in 2007.

2008 winner Jessie Kirkland was not in yesterday's starting fleet.

After the race, the 17 year-old Finegan said he was pleased with the day's events and also hailed runner-up Bailey in Temptation.

"It was a good race, we were going upwind most of the race which made for some exciting racing and I am personally excited to get the victory," said Finegan. "Rudy was right behind me most of the way and I needed to be aware of him and what he was doing, so I caught myself looking back a lot."

The newly crowned champion admitted that having Dickinson on board might have been the key to the win, considering the "vast wealth of knowledge he possesses."

After having been on board for last year's win as Dickinson's crew, Finegan said that had given him valuable insight and experience for the race.

A year ago Dickinson and Finegan grabbed the glory after seeing off a late surge from Jessie Kirkland, who pushed them all the way.

"It made the world of difference to have him (Dickinson) onboard," said Finegan. "It was the difference between first and second.

"Last year we won but I was the crew and this year I was the skipper and Stevie helped me out in the win.

"I don't know what is exactly on the cards for the future but we will certainly enjoy this win and decide what is next later on."

Third place went to West End Sail Boat Club's Gladwin Lambert skippering Melody.