Eleven boats racing the 777-mile Charleston to Bermuda race are underway - with star US comedian Stephen Colbert admitting he's nervous and equipped for sea-sickness.The boats received a rousing send-off as they left the Charleston City Marina, with many saying farewell to native Charlestonian Mr Colbert, of “The Colbert Report”.He is on board the racing yacht Spirit of Juno and speaking to the local Post and Courier newspaper before he set sail, Mr Colbert said: “If I weren't a little nervous, then I wouldn't be doing a good job.”Asked by the Post and Courier if he has issues with sea-sickness, Mr Colbert shot back, “No, I'm a crusty seaman. And I really will be a crusty seaman by the time this trip is over, I'll tell you that. But I've got some Baby Wipes, so that should be all right.”Mr Colbert, who grew up in Charleston, is returning to the Charleston Bermuda Race with some of the same friends he competed with in “C2B” in 2005, when they finished three days after the first boat arrived in Bermuda. He vowed to do better this year.”He added: “We're going to change (the name of the boat) to Spirit of Nike by the time we're done,” said Mr Colbert, in reference to the Greek goddess of victory.As of 7.30am today, Mr Colbert and his Team Audi crewmates on board the Spirit of Juno were making the best speeds in the fleet just slightly north of the rhumbline.At roughly 7.30am, Juno's strategists called for an abrupt change of course, and headed almost due north. It's apparent the leader of the Colbert Nation will find his comedic skills in high demand today as the crew deals with the very challenging situation of keeping a 60,000lbs boat moving in zephyrous conditions.At a reception before he set sail, Mr Colbert was presented with a pair of pink Bermuda shorts by the Department of Tourism.To track the boats go to: www.charlestonbermudarace.com/participate/tracking/