Rudy Bailey will be reunited with former crew Fred Bullford at this week?s International Comet Championships in Maryland.

And after a sub-par showing at last August?s North American Comet Championship held in the same US state, Bailey hopes the reunion with his long-time friend will ultimately lead to a reversal in fortunes.

Together the pair previously formed an impregnable combination and won every domestic title the dinghy class has to offer, including three straight Edward Cross Cups.

?We sailed together for many years and enjoyed numerous success,? Bailey recalled. ?But then he (Bullford) got married, moved overseas and broke my heart.

?But I?m now looking forward to competing with Fred overseas in the big one.?

Bailey and Bullford captured three Edward Cross Cups between 1986 and 1988.

To this present day, the late Harold Millett is the only other skipper to have achieve the treble and first to do it twice ? a feat Bailey can equal next year when the fleet heads to Somerset.

But first the Bermudian has an overseas score to settle after watching a bid for a third overall North American title go up in smoke last August.

Bailey placed eighth among a racing fleet of 18 entries.

?That?s the worst I?ve ever finished,? he lamented. ?But I?ve always raced better when angered, and I am still pretty angry over that performance. So I am really fired up and ready for this one.?

To make matters worst, the two-time champion then lost crew Rogers to a fractured ankle.

?Losing Emily is sort of a setback but Fred and I will be okay having sailed together previously for so many years,? Bailey insisted.

?She actually had her cast removed last week.?

This week?s international regatta kicks off on Friday on the fresh waters of Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland, and consists of nine-races.

Fancying his chances as good as any, Bailey added: ?The boat remains in good racing condition while forecasters have predicted light to moderate winds.?

Bailey has been warming up for this week?s overseas assignment competing in a series of internal regattas at West End Sailboat Club.

?I sailed last weekend and won two long distance races,? he quickly pointed out. ?And overall I?ve just been trying to keep my mental sharpness intact more than anything else.?