By Chad Petri Reporter

Published: April 25 2008 - 5:04 am Last Updated: April 25 2008 - 5:07 am

Paul Ring is ready to set sail. He's one of dozens of sailors getting his vessel in ship shape for the regatta. He calls his boat “The pole cat.”

“Because it's a cat boat and it has a mast as a pole and I thought it would be a good idea to call it a pole cat,” says Ring.

The regatta's going through a bit of a renaissance this season. Organizers say they're finally seeing the number of boats entering the race return to pre-Katrina levels. The golden anniversary draws several out of state boaters.

“We have boats coming from Georgia from Tennessee, course Mississippi and Florida,” says Fairhope Yacht Club Commodore Erik Schmidt.

Engines are just used to get us out of the dock. Come tomorrow, sailors will keep one finger in the air.

“The challenge could be no wind or too much wind you never know what dauphin island is going to bring to you,” says Principle Race Officer Cathy Cromartie.

This is a very subtle sport but when the guys get into the race it's more about the fun than the competition.

“We have friendly competition and then we get down to dauphin island to see who can tell the best stories,” says Ring.

The 17 nautical mile race starts Saturday morning and organizers hope to welcome several newcomers.