Paintings by some of the world?s most sought-after marine artists, and collectively worth millions of dollars, will be exhibited here next week to tie in with the 100th anniversary of the Newport-Bermuda Yacht Race.

Thanks to a collaboration between the Bermuda National Trust (BNT), the ACE Group of Companies and Christie?s auction house in New York, residents and visitors alike will have a rare, five-day opportunity to enjoy the spectacular collection of 20 paintings by such renowned marine artists as Montague Dawson, John Steven Dews and Archibald Carey Smith in the international reinsurance company?s ground floor gallery.

Following the 2004 Newport-Bermuda race the BNT approached ACE with the concept of holding an exhibition of highlights from Christie?s maritime collection. Since the reinsurers felt it was a fitting way to participate in this year?s historic anniversary the wheels were duly set in motion.

Both ACE and Christie?s are ?delighted? at being involved in the project. Christie?s, the world?s leading auction house with offices in 30 countries, has enjoyed a long association with the Bermuda National Trust. It has advised the organisation on collections management and the value of its museums? collection of paintings, china, silver and furnishings.

Betsy Ray, the Bermuda director at Christie?s NY, is a member of the Trust?s collections management committee and has assisted the Trust with major fund-raising events, providing volunteer specialist auctioneering expertise.

Speaking from New York, Rik Pike of Christie?s public relations department said the paintings in the upcoming exhibition are ?significant maritime pictures? whose estimated value runs to six figures, and which are highlights from the auctioneers? top maritime sale in New York on July 27.

?Christie?s is the leading maritime department in the world and Montague Dawson is the most sought-after maritime artist in the international auction market,? Mr. Pike said.

Mr. David Mitchell, curator of the Bermuda National Gallery, will be joined by part of the ACE team; Marie Kotsonis, head of Christie?s Maritime Department in the US; and Jane Turner, her UK counterpart, in hanging the show.

Also coming from Christie?s New York is maritime collectibles specialist Gregg Dietrich.

The official opening of the exhibition, entitled ?European and American Maritime Paintings of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries?, takes place Monday evening and the exhibition closes on June 23.

In addition to the marine paintings, many pieces of ACE?s Bermuda map collection will also be displayed in the gallery.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday. Admission is free and all are welcome. Group bookings are by appointment.

( 295-5200 ? the same number for additional information.