Local comet class star Steve Dickinson again demonstrated over the weekend why he's considered the fleet's leading competitor.

Dickinson, with crew Ty Trott, rebounded from a disastrous start to reel in the leaders and then seize line honours in St. George's Harbour during Sunday's annual Flag Pole to Flag Pole Race.

Veteran Howard Simmons extended his impressive early season form to finish in second position while Byron McCallan came third as the regatta's hosts, East End Mini Yacht Club, placed two `home boys' in the top three.

"The race went along fairly well. It started on time which was good. It was a fairly fast race," said Dickinson afterwards.

"The winds were about ten to 15 knots. At the start I was over the line so I had to go back. So I started about fifth of six."

However, not even that setback would hamper Dickinson.

By the time the East End Mini Yacht Club sailor had reached Hamilton Princess, the fightback had begun in earnest as Dickinson managed to move into fourth spot. At Two Rock Passage he moved into third and within sight of Simmons who according to Dickinson "was way out in front".

"I guess he (Simmons) had about a 100-yard lead or so entering Hog Fish Beacon," he added.

However, sailing down the North Shore Dickinson made his move.

After he passed Simmons near the Mid Atlantic Boat Club, the race was a foregone conclusion

"I ended up catching up with him (Simmons) at Mid Atlantic Boat Club and managed to distance myself from him," said Dickinson.

He went on to finish the long distance course in just over two hours - some two and a half minutes ahead of Simmons.

Dickinson's long-time nemesis, Rudy Bailey, didn't compete in Sunday's race.

Next up for Dickinson is the coveted annual Long Distance race in June when the multiple champion will bid to regain the crown which went west with Bailey last year.

"This race (Sunday's) was a good warm-up. But like I previously stated, the Long Distance Race is still anybody's race. It it will depend on the conditions," predicted Dickinson.