begins in earnest this week as the various teams scurry about getting their craft fine-tuned for the event that takes place on Sunday (first class starts at 2 p.m. from Ferry Reach).

Fifteen entries had been received prior to yesterday afternoon, but that number was expected to swell before last night's deadline.

Last year's `C' Class champions, and first across the line, Timothy Boyles and Andy Stoneham were among those expected to file late applications during a meeting at Admiralty House last night.

However, the pair have split allegiances, with the former set to move up to the super-powered `S' Class as throttle man for Troy Burgess in his 25-foot "custom cat'' Wide Open .

Stoneham returns with a new skater -- he sold last year's winner to fellow competitor Craig Burt -- accompanied by his brother Anthony for another foray in the always exciting `C' Class.

Fond memories surround his and Boyles' showing in 1992, as the duo produced a scintillating performance, breaking the course record they had set the previous year. They crossed the finish line at Ferry Reach in a mind-boggling 37 minutes, 57.04 seconds.

Competition -- for Stoneham -- may come in the form of Mark Fuhrtz, Craig Nesbitt, Michael Araujo and Burt, the current standings leader on the off-shore circuit.

Burt has brother Alistair as his co-pilot and figures to be in the thick of things.

"I'm a rookie in the class, but I'll take my chances,'' said Burt. "Stoneham has one advantage in that he has experience in the boat and most feel that it is he we'll be chasing.

"All the boats are around the same speed, so in the end it should boil down to drivers' ability.'' The first to "jet'' from the east end will be the smaller `A' class where Andrew DeCosta is looking to duplicate his triumph of a year ago.

He has one less threat due to Jason Pimental's movement to the rank of the `B' Class. Pimental was a constant thorn to DeCosta in the aforementioned race, winding up second a year ago, 39 seconds behind.

Remaining classes have Howard Paynter out to defend in `B' Class, but he may find himself hounded, with Kevin Constable and Pimental lurking.

Series leader Patrick Stamper has dominated thus far among the `D' boats, but there is added intrigue this time with Michael Moniz importing a new model "Progression Hull'' -- Deep `V' -- which should make for a close race.

Also, there are the likes of Clyde Boorman, Chris Franks and Sean White for additional flavour.

Finally there are the "monster'' three-engined craft of Derek (Chicken) Simons and Burgess, which will start last, 24 minutes after the initial group.

Former champion Kirk Roberts may also play a role in the outcome.

Last year may have been a fluke where records tumbled in four classes as weather conditions proved ideal.

"I don't think we'll get that this year,'' said Burt, also the public relations officer for the event. "But you will probably see some real speed with the `A' Class topping out at maybe 55 miles per hour, while Derek's (Simons) boat could get up to 120.

"The maximum speed will come in Hamilton Harbour between Two Rock Passage and White's Island and then along Harbour Road from Palm Reef to Five Star Island.'' Nevertheless, he admitted that the race will be won or lost along South Shore where driving skills are at a premium.

Said Burt: "Once you round Pompano (Beach) and head along South Shore ...

that is where the race starts.

"It's you (the driver) against the elements and who can handle the boat best will come out on top.'' Finally, Burt sent out words of warning to spectator craft and swimmers to use common sense around the waterways to avoid catastrophe.

Areas of particular concern are Ferry Reach, the Pylons, Hog Fish Beacon, Five Star Island, the area between Dockyard and Pompano as well as Castle Roads.

PARTING OF WAYS -- Timmy Boyles, left, and Andy Stoneham were champions in 1992 but will be offering separate challenges this Sunday.