here next Saturday to implement changes to halt the fleet's stunning decline in recent years.

The most recent race in June saw the number of entrants plummet to an all-time low of 77 vessels in six classes, down from 115 in 1993, 117 in 1991 and a record-breaking fleet of 163 in 1989.

The commodores from the host clubs, Buddy Rego of the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club and Faith Paulsen of the Beverly Yacht Club of Marion, Massachusetts, downplayed the low number of entries last year but acknowledged that the it would be a primary topic during meetings following the race.

Sailors insisted that changes were necessary to fend off a further decline, most notably due to the banning of boats rigged with high-tech sails made of kevlar or spectra.

Another factor is that boats must use celestial navigation instead of relying on computers or electronic position finders to guide their boats during the 600-plus mile voyage from Massachusetts.

"Everything will be addressed,'' said Rego of Saturday's meeting. "It's the first time the rules will be looked at so closely. Basically we're going to be assessing the questionnaire that was sent out to all the participants.'' Rego said there was "no question'' rule changes would lead to an increase in the fleet for the 11th race scheduled for 1997. "We have requests from people who would like to see things amended. That would indicate if there were changes those individuals would be more likely to participate.'' The Marion to Bermuda race is one of the few ocean races remaining where sailors rely exclusively on celestial navigation and that aspect may continue in some form with a special class added for cruising yachts. "Perhaps instead of penalising people for using (electronic position finders) you may have separate awards for people who use celestial,'' added Rego.