Peter Wickwire, of the Nova Scotia International One Design fleet, will be gunning for an historical treble during next week’s Bermuda International Invitational Regatta.

Wickwire has won the IOD title at the keelboat regatta for the past two years and is now seeking an unprecedented third successive crown.

However, the two-times defending champion has his work cut out in a formidable IOD fleet that also features IOD world champion Jonathan Farrar, of the Fishers Island fleet, and seven-times IOD world champion Bill Widnall, who represents the Marblehead fleet.

Farrar is among four new skippers making their debuts in the regatta this year.

“New blood is always good for the regatta,” Richard Thompson, the regatta chairman, said.

Carrying Bermuda’s hopes this year are Martin Seise, whose well-drilled crew includes Patrice Cooper, the Bermuda IOD champion, and Huie Watlington, who came to within striking distance of winning the Vrengen Cup several years ago.

“This year we have 13 participants, 11 from overseas and two from Bermuda,” Thompson said.

“This means there will be approximately 65 competitors with 55 coming from overseas.

“The regatta will be hotly contested as usual as two IOD World Champions will be competing this year as well as seven other experienced and quality veterans in the event.”

The IODs will compete in ten races in the Great Sound, venue for next year’s 35th America’s Cup.

The regatta will also feature the International Etchells class which could involve up to six teams, including at least one from Bermuda.

Already confirmed are Oracle Team USA, defender of the “Auld Mug”, who will be led by skipper and Oracle general manager Grant Simmer, and a local team led by Tim Patton, the multiple Bermuda Etchells champion.

Patton, who is making his 43rd consecutive appearance in the regatta, and Simmer are no strangers to each other having both competed at last year’s Etchells World Championships in Hong Kong.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club are hosts for this year’s Bermuda International Invitational Regatta which is sponsored by Bacardi International, and will run from April 30 to May 6.