Past winner Heath Foggo is set to make a first appearance in the Annual Long Distance Comet Race in several years.Comet Class President Gladwin Lambert confirmed that the East End Mini Yacht Club sailor was among this year’s fleet that will compete for the coveted Edward Cross Cup.“I’m really glad to have Heath back and he’s got a really good boat,” said Lambert, whose father Kanute won the inaugural Long Distance Comet Race in 1944. “He’s raced a bit this year and looks pretty good.”Heath is racing with a boat which is called Go which used to be called Tango and owned by David Wall.”Foggo won the Edward Cross Cup sailing with crew Stevie Dickinson in 2001.As many as 20 boats are expected to make it to the start line for next Monday’s race which will see the fleet set sail from the Great Sound and cross the finish line in St George’s Harbour.Among the top contenders for the Cup are multiple Edward Cross Cup winners Dickinson and Rudy Bailey who is the defending champion.West End Sail Boat Club (WESC) stalwart Bailey predicted this year’s race would be another classic two-boat battle between himself and arch rival Dickinson.“Stevie is the one I consider as my challenge and as far as I’m concerned the rest of the guys are just out there participating,” Bailey said. “I consider Stevie as the guy I need to beat. He’s got 15 (Long Distance titles), I’ve got 11 and none of the other guys are close to where we are.”Dickinson, who has dominated the local Comet fleet in Bailey’s absence so far this season, could not be reached for comment.Others capable of claiming line honours on the day are past winners Rockal Evans, Foggo and Lambert whose last victory was in 1990.“I’ve had four good outings this year so I’m feeling pretty good with my consistency,” said Lambert, who has three Long Distance Comet Race titles under his belt. “I’m quite pleased with the way I’m sailing.“Hopefully we have good weather for all of the skippers and spectators. Most sailors are hoping for a beat to St George’s, they want the wind on the nose.”Evans’ sole win arrived in 2011 sailing with teenager Ben Smith.East End Mini Yacht Club are hosts for this year’s race.“We’re ready to go and really looking forward to hosting the race,” said club Commodore Patti Washington. “I think it’s going to be a very competitive race and hopefully we have good weather.”