This year’s 30th anniversary of the Marion to Bermuda yacht race is expected to attract a bumper entry with 47 boats having already registered in the last 40 days, according to race spokesman Talbot Wilson.

The event will see a two-pronged start with monohulls setting off from Buzzards Bay off Marion on June 15 and the cruising multi-hulls starting a day later.

The last race in 2005 saw 68 monohulls on the start line and 13 multi-hulls. This year organisers are expecting a total entry of over 100.

All yachts will be scored under the ORR (Offshore Racing Rule) system and the various classes scored under the IRC system that has become popular in various east coast offshore regattas.

Plans are already well underway for the anniversary race, said Wilson, with expanded festivities expected at both host clubs, the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club in Bermuda.

During the race, observers will be able to track the progress of all boats by using the iBoattrack system More information on race preparations can be found on the race website www.marionbermuda.com.