Island sailors are being urged to take part in this year's fourth Charleston to Bermuda race in May to help put it on the nautical map.

Race organisers have assured Bermudians they will get a warm welcome if they go over to South Carolina before the race, and they have promised they will take care of boating needs such as moorings for free.

They hope the race, which is run every two years, will grow this year and help encourage tourism and business links between the Island and South Carolina.

Organiser Hank Hofford said the Island and Charleston have a shared English ancestry dating from the early 17th Century, but so far no Bermudian boats have taken part in the race.

The proceeds of the race will go towards the project to built a tall ship in Charleston.

"We're trying to take the Charleston to Bermuda race to a new level. The last three times it has run there have been around eight or ten boats and it has been a wonderful experience, but we haven't really hit the critical mass it deserves and can do," Mr. Hofford told The Royal Gazette on Friday.

"We hope to strengthen the connection between Charleston and Bermuda in tourism and on the business level. They are sister locations in many ways.

"They were established around the same time and have a common history from our roots in the British empire.

"We'd love to have some Bermudian boats involved and we are looking for people willing to participate in the race."

Mr. Hofford met Department of Tourism officials for lunch at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on Friday to discuss plans for the race.

Fellow organiser Teddy Turner, the yachtsman and son of CNN owner Ted Turner, added: "There's never been a Bermuda boat in the event and there needs to be a precedent set.

"Whatever hurdle has to be overcome - moorings, storage, whatever - call us and we'll figure that out. Just come and play," said Mr. Turner, who owns a boatyard in Charleston.

The website for those interested in taking part in the 777 mile race, which departs Charleston Harbour on May 17, iswww.charlestontobermuda.org.