There will be no margin for error for Bermuda's King Edward VII Gold hopeful Blythe Walker when the annual match racing spectacle begins in Hamilton harbour today.

Walker, who finished third overall last year, has been pitted in Group A — the 'group of death' — along with Americas Cup winner Ed Baird and defending Gold Cup champion Ian Williams, the first British skipper to top the ISAF World Match Racing rankings and World Match Racing Tour.

"You can't choose the draw . . . but no one is unbeatable," a philospohical Walker remarked.

Bermuda's other Gold Cup hopeful, Glenn Astwood, will also have his work cut out for him in Group C where he will come up against the likes of world number three Paolo Cian of Italy and Sweden's Bjorn Hansen.

"I am just going to go out there and enjoy it," declared Astwood, a veteran of 12 Gold Cups.

Today's forecast calls for shifty five- to ten-knot northerly breezes that could prove a handful in the bulkier international one designs (IOD) on the four-leg windward to leeward race course in the Island's capital.

"Certainly the light wind in these heavier boats is a real challenge," defending Gold Cup champion Williams commented following yesterday's dress rehearsal. "So it's very important not to do too many manoeuvres in the boat or let the boat speed drop off.

"But it's going to be a tough event this year, particularly with so many teams and the new format. If you look at our group we have three of the top four (finishers) from last year plus the winner of the Americas Cup and we have to progress to the next round.

"So it's not going to be a case of warming up into the event — we need to be straight on it from the start.

"But it's the Gold Cup which is a very special event while the venue is fantastic. I love the boats as well — they are very different to anything else we sail (on the World Match Racing circuit). They really do reward great sailing and if you go out there and sail well you should be okay."

Royal Bermuda Yacht (RBYC) commodore Andrew Cox rates this year's race fleet as one of the best in the 100-year history of the prestigious Gold Cup.

"Our line-up this year is as good as it gets," he said. "And we have also increased participation to 24 teams including the 2007 Bermuda and US match racing champions."

This year's regatta will see $100,000 go up for grabs, with the eventual winner pocketing $35,000.

Premier Ewart Brown said sporting events such as the Gold Cup have played an integral role in putting Bermuda firmly on the world map.

"The King Edward VII Gold Cup has amassed an enviable reputation that has greatly enhanced Bermuda's status of being one of the more diverse sports tourism destinations in the world," he said.

Racing begins at 9 a.m. today in Hamilton harbour.