Bermuda could see as many as 3,000 additional visitors come to the Island when the Newport Bermuda Race takes place in June.

The storied race, which takes place every two years, has 212 registered yachts this year, with an extra 13 expected by the April 1 deadline. Only in 2006, when 264 took part amid heightened publicity for the event's centenary, has this year's number been bettered.

"The number of registered yachts is only one part of the good news here," said Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown. "Each of those boats carries an average of ten people on the team, not to mention the fact that every race participant typically brings in another one or two people who take part in the on-island activities.

"Before long we're talking about 3,000-plus visitors coming to Bermuda to fill our restaurants, shop in our retail stores and stay at our hotels.

"I think this is another example of how our sports tourism strategy creates excitement for the overall tourism product."

The Newport Bermuda Race, founded in 1906, is an ocean race run every two years from the historic seaport in Newport, Rhode Island to St. David's Island, Bermuda.

It typically takes between three and six days for the yachts to travel about 635-miles between the two points. The 2008 race will begin on June 20.

After completing the race participants can take part in a week of events across the Island culminating with a prize giving ceremony on June 28.